Educational Objectives (PGY 1-2)
MEDICAL EXPERT:
- Completion of the detailed neurological examination
- Develop understanding of neuro-anatomical localization based on clinical presentation
- Initiate diagnostics and management of the patient presenting with acute stroke
- Initiate diagnostics and management of the patient presenting with seizures
- Differentiate and initiate diagnostics and management of the patient with neurological conditions that can mimic neurosurgical diagnoses
COMMUNICATOR:
- Establish therapeutic relationships with patients and their families in the clinic, emergency room and on the neurology inpatient units.
- Communicate effectively with patients and families in order to obtain through, focused histories during patient care encounters
- Present consultations including detailed history, physical exam and findings of investigations to senior residents and attending staff.
- Document consultations including history, physical examination, findings of investigations and outline of the management plan (both written and dictated as appropriate).
- Update patients and family relevant information regarding their condition and management plan with appropriate supervision
COLLABORATOR:
- Work/collaborate effectively as a member of the interdisciplinary care team, fostering a positive team environment
- Consult other medical and surgical specialities appropriately in the care of the neurology patients
- Demonstrate a safe and accurate written and/or verbal handover of patient issues to colleagues
- Listen and respond appropriately to concerns of other health care providers
LEADER:
- Manage own time, education and personal life to ensure balanced lifestyle
HEALTH ADVOCATE:
- Recognize and respond to determinants of health in stroke patients including smoking, diet and socio-economic status
- Facilitate improvements in the underlying determinants of health in stroke patients in an integrated fashion during care delivery
- Facilitate return of patient to community/alternate care environments in collaboration with the multidisciplinary care team and advocate for access to resources
- Identify and provide community care/resources to support patients during their medical journey
SCHOLAR:
- Actively participate in weekly rounds/educational activities
- Identify and seek out personal learning needs related to cases encountered on the neurology service
- Facilitate patient, student and peer learning
PROFESSIONAL:
- Foster collegial relationships with staff and residents, neuroscience nurses and other allied health professionals
- Develop through observation and practical experience professional tactics for effective, honest discussion with patients and families with respect to challenging issues including delivery of grave diagnoses and decision making around goals of care
- Exhibit appropriate professional behaviors in practice, including honesty, integrity, commitment, compassion, timeliness, respect and altruism
- Show appropriate respect for opinions of other health care providers
- Be able to appraise and identify own limits with respect to knowledge and patient care, and when to ask for assistance and consult effectively.
Expectations of the rotation:
- Attend VGH combined Epilepsy rounds and stroke rounds when on the relevant service at VGH
Resource:
“Neurological Examination” ‑ Smith, Kline and French “Examination and Management of the Neurologic Patient.”