Abstract Details

Title Perceptions of Functional Neurological Disorders Among Medical Students

Topic Research Methodology, �鶹��ýӳ��, and History

Presentation(s) P5 - Poster Session 5 (8:00 AM-9:00 AM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 13-012

Objective To determine medical student perceptions of functional neurological disorders (FND) and how these perceptions change over the course of the neurology clerkship.

Background FND account for 14% of new presentations to neurology clinic and up to 50% of patients in primary care [1,2.] Neurologists find these patients among their most challenging. This is due to various factors, including lack of clear guidelines about management and fear of missing an underlying organic etiology [3,4.] Despite the prevalence and challenges of FND, there is minimal exposure to this topic during pre-clerkship medical school training, leaving most education for medical students to direct exposure during the clerkship year. This may deepen the perceived difficulties and negativity associated with the diagnosis and management of FND [5.]

Design/Methods A survey was created to assess medical student perceptions and understanding of FND. It consisted of Likert scale questions as well as short answer. The survey was administered once at the start and end of the four-week neurology clerkship. The primary outcome was the difference in survey responses. Data analysis as performed through McNemar’s Test with statistical significance cutoff of 0.05.

Results Out of 67 students surveyed, there were statistically significant differences in the students’ understanding of FND as well as their confidence in discussing an FND diagnosis with patients and using exam maneuvers to help delineate FND from organic disorders. There was no change in opinion regarding their level of frustration in caring for FND patients.

Conclusions This study suggests that medical students enter their neurology clerkship with a poor initial understanding of FND, but that their understanding and comfort is enhanced through their clerkship experience without a negative impact on their perception of this patient population. Although more research is needed, this would argue for more formal resources for targeted medical education on FND during medical school.

Authors/Disclosures
Molly C. Cincotta, MD (Temple University) PRESENTER	Dr. Cincotta has nothing to disclose.
Kelly A. Boylan, MD	Dr. Boylan has nothing to disclose.
Laura A. Stein, MD (University of Pennsylvania)	Dr. Stein has nothing to disclose.
Thomas F. Tropea, DO (University of Pennsylvania)	Dr. Tropea has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for Bial. The institution of Dr. Tropea has received research support from NINDS. The institution of Dr. Tropea has received research support from Parkinson Foundation. The institution of Dr. Tropea has received research support from Michael J Fox Foundation.