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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Bryan BurfordORCiD, Dr Paul HubbardORCiD
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Introduction: Neurological conditions are a significant contributor to population disease burden, especially due to an ageing population 1. Physicians must feel confident in managing such disorders, but ‘neurophobia’ 2 is prevalent amongst medical students 3, potentially limiting future doctors’ understanding of neurological conditions, and entry into neurology careers. This study aimed to explore educational interventions that may reduce ‘neurophobia’. Methods and materials: This was a single-centre, cross-sectional study which recruited first- and second- year medical students from Newcastle University via email. There were two phases to the study; a survey assessing perceptions of neurology, reasons for these, and possible ‘neurophobia’ interventions, and 30-minute online interviews to explore survey responses.Results51 participants completed the survey. Overall, 55% indicated some degree of neurophobia. ‘Neuroanatomy’ was the most frequently reported influence on perceptions of neurology (94% of participants), while 71% felt they would benefit from ‘Early support in preparing for neurology teaching’. Five participants were interviewed and the thematic analysis generated 5 themes: ‘Perceived nature of neurology as a discipline’, ‘Neurology as a career’, ‘Foundational knowledge and teaching structure in neurology’, ‘Teaching methods and resources in neurology’ and ‘Neuroanatomy’. Conclusions: Survey and interview results support the implementation of more neurology- specific careers information in undergraduate medicine. There is an indication for increased emphasis on case-based and clinical methods in undergraduate neurology teaching, as well as to consider re-shaping Neuroanatomy teaching in particular. The potential benefit of early support in preparing for neurology teaching and improved consolidation of fundamental neurological concepts should also be considered. Reference(s): 1. Steinmetz JD, Katrin Maria Seeher, Schiess N, et al. Global, regional, and national burden of disorders affecting the nervous system, 1990–2021: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. The Lancet Neurology. 2024;23(4). doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/s1474-4422(24)00038-32. Jozefowicz RF. Neurophobia: The Fear of Neurology Among Medical Students. Archives of Neurology. 1994;51(4):328-329.doi:https://doi.org/10.1001/archneur.1994.005401600180033. Pakpoor J, Handel AE, Disanto G, Davenport RJ, Giovannoni G, Ramagopalan SV. National survey of UK medical students on the perception o neurology. BMC Medical Education. 2014;14(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6920-14-225
Author(s): Ali A, Burford B, Brown S, Hubbard P
Publication type: Conference Proceedings (inc. Abstract)
Publication status: Published
Conference Name: ASME Annual Scholarship Meeting 2025
Year of Conference: 2025
Pages: 125-125
Online publication date: 03/07/2025
Acceptance date: 02/04/2018
Publisher: ASME
URL: https://www.asme.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Final-Complete-Abstracts-Book-2025-1.pdf
