Program Objectives

Goal:

The goal of the neurology training program is to promote the graduation and success of professional, experienced, and knowledgeable neurologists who will excel in the practice of Neurology.

Learning Objectives:

1. Cognitive (knowledge)
2. Affective (communication)
3. Psychomotor (practice).

A. Predominant in Cognitive domain (Knowledge):

• Understand the basic sciences (embryology, anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmaco-therapeutics, etc.) related to the field of neurology.
• Be conversant with the aetiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of common neurological problems.
• Should understand the importance of providing acute care with the goal of ‘full recovery of function.
• Know the common problems in Neurology, the acute, life-threatening conditions which require redressal in a “time sensitive” manner as well as the transdisciplinary acute medical and surgical conditions which requires team work of different specialties.
• Know the chronic problems encountered in the out-patient’s clinics of Neurology and Medicine including specific neurological disorders and neurological complaints in various systemic diseases spanning a host of medical and surgical conditions. This includes all ages and also certain age specific neurological diseases involving post-delivery, neonatal, infantile., genetic and inherited conditions, adolescence, adult and elderly age specific neurological diseases and syndromes.
• Be able to analyze neonatal health problems and develop preventive strategies to decrease neurological morbidity and mortality at hospital and community level including National programs.
• Know neurological end of life care and bereavement follow up.

Group/team approach:

At the end of the course, the postgraduate student should be able to:

• Recognize the role of multi-disciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches in managing various neurological disorders and recognize the importance of family, society, and socio-cultural environment in treating the sick patient.
• Function as a part of a team, co-operate with colleagues, and interact with the neonate’s family to provide optimal medical care.

Evidence-based approach:
At the end of the course, the postgraduate student should be able to critically appraise medical literature in order to provide evidence-based care.

Research Methodology:
The postgraduate student should acquire:

• basic knowledge of research methodology and biostatistics,
• familiarity and participation in clinical and experimental research studies, and
• knowledge in scientific presentation and publication.

Skills:

• At the end of the course, the postgraduate student should acquire (a) skills necessary for neurological patient care. He/she should be able to undertake preparation of oral presentation, medical documents, professional opinion in interaction with patients, caretakers, peers, and paramedical staff – both for clinical care and medical teaching. Effective communication with the patient/caretakers regarding the nature and extent of disease, treatment options, realistic outcomes, and optimal management is essential.

B. Predominant in Affective domain (Communication):

• Acquire adequate communication skills to counsel and support the parents and families of the neurological patients. Regular clinical rounds and academic presentations during the teaching program should help the trainees to develop patient-centric and family-centric attitudes, knowledge, and communication skills.
• Establish effective communication with the patient’s caregivers, including appropriate counselling for sickness, terminal illness, and bereavement care.
• Interact professionally and obtain relevant specialist/ancillary ‘services’ consultation where appropriate.
• Ensure effective communication and teamwork while teaching others, including undergraduates in a clinical care unit.
• Be able to communicate and work effectively with a multi-disciplinary team and understand the role of other team members, including nurses, physiotherapists, dieticians, psychologists, and others.
• Inculcate ethical principles in all aspects of neurological, pediatric and adult, medical and surgical care/research (professional honesty and integrity, humility, moderation, informed consent, counselling, awareness of ‘patients’ rights and privileges) and be a role model for other health care team members and respect patient confidentiality.
• Maintain proper etiquette in dealings with patients, caretakers, and other health personnel, including due attention to the ‘patient’s right to information, consent, and second opinion. Maintain professional integrity while dealing with patients, colleagues, seniors, pharmaceutical companies, and equipment manufacturers.
• Take rational decisions in the face of ethical dilemmas in neurological practice
• Develop a communication style – both verbal and written, to ensure that the content is accurately understood by the audience.

C. Predominant in Psychomotor domain (Practice)

• Evaluate a patient thoroughly (history, clinical examination), order relevant investigations, and interpret them to reach a diagnosis and plan of management.
• Plan and carry out simple investigations/procedures (bedside, laboratory, imaging) independently.
• Plan and carry out Neuro interventions such as Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) procedures though femoral route and assist in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures such as Mechanical Thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion (AIS with LVO).
• Provide Basic and Advanced Life Support services in emergencies.
• Acquire familiarity with and provide critical care of post neurosurgery and neurointerventional patients, including airway support, ventilation, central vascular access.
• Prepare a patient for an elective/emergency surgery and provide specific post-operative care.
• Provide counselling to the patient and primary caretakers for the smooth dispensation of medical care.
• Acquire skills in neurological procedures (including but not limited to invasive and non-invasive respiratory support, peripheral and central venous access, resuscitation, bladder catheterization, DSA, interpretation of acute stroke imaging, ( ASPECTS etc.), planning and preparation of nutrition ( swallowing test, Tube feeds etc.), insertion of chest tubes, sepsis workup, suprapubic urine sampling for culture, lumbar puncture, use of medical equipment such as ventilators, including high-frequency ventilation, exchange transfusion, therapeutic hypothermia, etc.).
• Monitor and manage patients in the standard ward / high dependency unit / and in the intensive care setting.
• Provide specific and relevant advice to the patient and family at discharge time for proper domiciliary care, hospital reporting in an emergency, and routine follow-up.