Neurological examination lab during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: an experience from Humanitas University, Milan, Italy

Core diagnostic and physical examination skills in neurology are fundamental for aspiring physicians. Merging theory with practical activities is an efficient way to strengthen the learning process. However, SARS-CoV-2 pandemic hard tested the possibility to perform them. This article aims at describing/evaluating the way Humanitas University managed this issue implementing innovative flipped-learning-based activities. The five-day neurology lab was re-designed aiming at avoiding unnecessary contacts, maximising skills acquisition and meeting students' needs, satisfaction, expectations. Mandatory SARS-CoV-2 serology/swab testing before activities' beginning assured every student's safety. Student's satisfaction assessment, performed through two online questionnaires, showed that the new organisation of the neurological lab received significantly higher appreciation compared to previous year's activities. Flipped-learning-based activities helped grasping the essence of different neurological syndromes and the required skills to recognise them. In view of this, we believe that flipped-learning-based activities could constitute a powerful innovative method to build solid knowledge in the neurology field.