Efficacy of a Patient Education Session for Cancer Patients Receiving Immunotherapy.

OBJECTIVES: Our research questions include: What are gaps in cancer patients' knowledge about immunotherapy? What is the efficacy of an education session in improving cancer patients' knowledge about immunotherapy and reducing inappropriate emergency department (ED) visits? DATA SOURCES: From July 2020 to September 2021, we invited cancer patients receiving immunotherapy to participate in a one-on-one patient education session and pre-test/post-test surveys. The patient education session included an oral presentation following National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines, video on immunotherapy mechanisms of action, and review of written materials and alert cards. The surveys assessed patient knowledge of immunotherapies' mechanisms of action, adverse effects and their management, and health literacy. Survey data were paired with data abstracted from the electronic health record on patient ED utilization and demographic characteristics. CONCLUSION: Before the education session, knowledge gaps about immunotherapy included understanding the medical term "itis," side effects of immunotherapy, and treatment for side effects of immunotherapy. Overall, the education session significantly improved cancer patients' knowledge about immunotherapy. The education session addressed knowledge gaps by significantly increasing patients' knowledge of immunotherapy mechanisms of action, recognition of side effects, and ability to define the medical term "itis". Because our sample had low inappropriate ED utilization, we could not assess the impact of the education session on inappropriate ED utilization. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: A multicomponent strategy for patient education was effective in improving overall knowledge uptake, especially among patients who initially had the least knowledge. Future studies should continue to explore whether patient education decreases inappropriate ED utilization.

Reducing CAUTI in patients with acute urinary retention in the critical care setting: A pilot study with electronic medical record analytics.

BACKGROUND: This study implemented and evaluated an algorithm protocol for management of indwelling urinary catheters (IUCs) among patients treated for acute urinary retention (AUR) in an intensive care unit. The algorithm protocol (1) instituted in and out catheterization before placing an IUC for retention; (2) encouraged more consistent use of medications for AUR; and (3) provided for prompt removal of IUCs placed for AUR. METHODS: An uncontrolled pre- and post-test intervention approach was used to assess the impact of the algorithm on the treatment of AUR. Bivariate and multivariate analyses assessed data collected using 2 approaches: (1) electronic extracts from the electronic medical record (EMR) vs (2) manual chart reviews. RESULTS: Findings suggest that the intervention decreased indwelling IUC days by 1.93 average days and increased medication prescription rates. An EMR extract identified fewer catheters per patient pre-intervention than a manual chart review, but otherwise the differences observed in the EMR extract and manual chart review were insignificant. CONCLUSIONS: Implications for practitioners and administrators are that the algorithm protocol may reduce CAUTI risk and - provided consistent EMR documentation - EMR extracts may represent an efficient and effective approach for monitoring data when spreading the intervention.

Empowering students to confront environmental injustice: Dialogue, theory, empathy, and partnership.

Many students find environmental justice to be emotionally overwhelming and/or politically alienating, and there is currently little work that provides instructors with effective techniques for addressing these types of challenges. In this paper, upon situating the environmental studies classroom and the broader undergraduate experience in sociohistorical context, we identify four sequential strategies for engaging and empowering students on environmental justice issues. First, instructors can facilitate an open and honest dialogue by strategically framing course content for the unique composition of the audience, sharing their own racialized experiences (or working with a guest speaker who would be willing to do so), and using interactive assignments to encourage student participation. Second, social theory can be presented to students as complimentary (rather than competing) ideas which can be used for creative, real-world problem solving. Third, instructors and students can cultivate empathy by acknowledging different standpoints, particularly those that have been historically marginalized. Lastly, by working in partnerships with community-based organizations, instructors and students can think and work beyond hero/savior and perpetrator/victim narratives. These strategies are not intended as a set of silver bullets, but rather as a series of potential starting points that are informed by recent scholarship on these topics.

Contextualizing the racial gradient in covid-19 outcomes: Narratives from HBCU students.

COVID-19 spread across the nation with Black Americans experiencing twice of the prevalence of deaths than White Americans. Black American college students are facing a unique set of biopsychosocial costs including less retention and poorer mental health. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine how Historically Black College or University (HBCU) students contextualize COVID-19. Interviews were conducted with 19 participants and lasted 40-60 minutes. They discussed topics including: their COVID-19 knowledge, precautionary measures, and barriers and promoters of school success were covered. Data were coded through semi-open coding and discussed among the research team. Responses were summarized by eight themes: emotional responses, colorblind rhetoric, lack of healthcare, essential work, distrust for the medical field, barriers to precautions like supply shortages and environmental factors, and poor baseline health. These findings may be used to develop interventions that moderate the impact of COVID-19 and future pandemics on mental health.

Organizational Directors' Perceptions About Awareness of Services Among Their Employees and the Older Adults They Serve.

Objectives: This study explores the extent to which directors of organizations perceive that (a) older adults are aware of and interested in using services, and (b) their employees are aware of complementary services in the community and are willing to coordinate care or refer older adults to these services. Method: We conducted 41 qualitative semistructured interviews with organizational directors who provide services to older adults. Results: Directors perceived that not only older adults but also some providers were unaware of services in the community. Directors reported that some older adults felt stigmatized and were unwilling to use services, but services providers implemented strategies to overcome these barriers. Discussion: Understanding the perceptions of organizational directors may help identify opportunities for older adults to learn about community services and for providers to better coordinate care.

Examining collaboration across organizations in an age-friendly community.

Collaboration among organizations is fundamental to promoting age-friendly environments. This study questions: To what extent do organizations collaborate with other organizations in age-friendly communities to provide services to older adults? This study draws on 48 semi-structured qualitative interviews with representatives of organizations that provide services to older adults in an age-friendly community. Findings demonstrated that organizations can engage in collaboration and cooperation across multiple sectors of service delivery and across multiple types of organizations. Nevertheless, some organizations were not collaborating; older adults receiving services at these organizations may miss opportunities to connect to complementary services that can meet their holistic needs.

Estimating Costs of Implementing Stroke Systems of Care and Data-Driven Improvements in the Paul Coverdell National Acute Stroke Program.

PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the costs of implementing coordinated systems of stroke care by state health departments from 2012 through 2015 to help policy makers and planners gain a sense of the potential return on investments in establishing a stroke care quality improvement (QI) program. INTERVENTION APPROACH: State health departments funded by the Paul Coverdell National Acute Stroke Program (PCNASP) implemented activities to support the start and proficient use of hospital stroke registries statewide and coordinate data-driven QI efforts. These efforts were aimed at improving the treatment and transition of stroke patients from prehospital emergency medical services (EMS) to in-hospital care and postacute care facilities. Health departments provided technical assistance and data to support hospitals, EMS agencies, and posthospital care agencies to carry out small, rapid, incremental QI efforts to produce more effective and efficient stroke care practices. EVALUATION METHODS: Six of the 11 PCNASP-funded state health departments in the United States volunteered to collect and report programmatic costs associated with implementing the components of stroke systems of care. Six health departments reported costs paid directly by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-provided funds, 5 also reported their own in-kind contributions, and 4 compiled data from a sample of their partners' estimated costs of resources, such as staff time, involved in program implementation. Costs were analyzed separately for PCNASP-funded expenditures and in-kind contributions by the health department by resource category and program activity. In-kind contributions by partners were also analyzed separately. RESULTS: PCNASP-funded expenditures ranged from $790,123 to $1,298,160 across the 6 health departments for the 3-year funding period. In-kind contributions ranged from $5,805 to $1,394,097. Partner contributions (n = 22) ranged from $3,912 to $362,868. IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH: Our evaluation reports costs for multiple state health departments and their partners for implementing components of stroke systems of care in the United States. Although there are limitations, our findings represent key estimates that can guide future program planning and efforts to achieve sustainability.

Perceived Impact of Incentives for Chronic Disease Prevention.

INTRODUCTION: This study evaluates the effect of program and incentive characteristics on satisfaction with incentives and perceived impact of incentives on behavior change among Medicaid beneficiaries who participated in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Medicaid Incentives for Prevention of Chronic Diseases program. METHODS: In 2014-2015, an English- and Spanish-language survey was administered to Medicaid Incentives for Prevention of Chronic Diseases program participants about their satisfaction with incentives and perceived impact of incentives. Completed surveys were received from 2,276 eligible sample members (response rate=52.7%). In 2016-2017, multilevel, multivariable, ordinal logistic regression models were performed to examine program characteristics that predict outcomes, while controlling for respondent characteristics. RESULTS: Medicaid Incentives for Prevention of Chronic Diseases participants were satisfied with program incentives. Most survey respondents strongly agreed that they liked getting incentives for taking care of their health (78%), they were happy with the incentives overall (75%), the incentives were fair (73%), and they liked how often they received incentives (67%). Participants in programs delivered by telephone reported higher satisfaction with incentives compared with those in programs delivered in person. However, participants in programs delivered both in person and by telephone were more likely to perceive a positive impact of incentives. Incentive form was a significant predictor of satisfaction with incentives but not of incentive impact. Dollar amount of incentives influenced satisfaction with incentives and impact of incentives. CONCLUSIONS: Program delivery method, incentive form, and incentive magnitude are important characteristics to consider when designing incentive programs. Incentive programs can consider providing modest incentive amounts to achieve self-reported impact on behavior change.

Impact of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's Safety Program for Perinatal Care.

BACKGROUND: The Safety Program for Perinatal Care (SPPC) seeks to improve safety on labor and delivery (L&D) units through three mutually reinforcing components: (1) fostering a culture of teamwork and communication, (2) applying safety science principles to care processes; and (3) in situ simulation. The objective of this study was to describe the SPPC implementation experience and evaluate the short-term impact on unit patient safety culture, processes, and adverse events. METHODS: We supported SPPC implementation by L&D units with a program toolkit, trainings, and technical assistance. We evaluated the program using a pre-post, mixed-methods design. Implementing units reported uptake of program components, submitted hospital discharge data on maternal and neonatal adverse events, and participated in semi-structured interviews. We measured changes in safety and quality using the Modified Adverse Outcome Index (MAOI) and other perinatal care indicators. RESULTS: Forty-three L&D units submitted data representing 97,740 deliveries over 10 months of follow-up. Twenty-six units implemented all three program components. L&D staff reported improvements in teamwork, communication, and unit safety culture that facilitated applying safety science principles to clinical care. The MAOI decreased from 5.03% to 4.65% (absolute change -0.38% [95% CI, -0.88% to 0.12%]). Statistically significant decreases in indicators for obstetric trauma without instruments and primary cesarean delivery were observed. A statistically significant increase in neonatal birth trauma was observed, but the overall rate of unexpected newborn complications was unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: The SPPC had a favorable impact on unit patient safety culture and processes, but short-term impact on maternal and neonatal adverse events was mixed.

Participant Satisfaction and Perceptions About Program Impact in the Medicaid Incentives for Prevention of Chronic Disease Pilot Program.

PURPOSE: Evaluate the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Incentives for Prevention of Chronic Diseases (MIPCD) program in terms of participant satisfaction and self-reported program impact. DESIGN: Participant survey (mail/telephone follow-up), English and Spanish (N = 2274). SETTINGS: Ten states in MIPCD program. PARTICIPANTS: Medicaid beneficiaries. INTERVENTION: Incentive-based health promotion programs targeting diabetes prevention and management, smoking cessation, and weight, hypertension, and cholesterol management. MEASURES: Dependent measures are (1) overall program satisfaction and (2) self-reported program impact, operationalized as whether program helped with understanding health issues, learning ways to take care of health, and encouraging healthy lifestyle changes. ANALYSIS: Multilevel multivariable ordinal logistic regression models to identify predictors of overall program satisfaction and program impact. RESULTS: Sixty-seven percent were very satisfied with the program, and 76% strongly agreed the program encouraged healthy lifestyle changes. Age (59+ vs <45 years) and being female predicted overall program satisfaction. Satisfaction with specific aspects of the program including communication with staff, accessibility, and incentives predicted higher overall satisfaction. Age (45-52 vs <45 years) and being black or Hispanic predicted higher program impact. Points redeemable for rewards performed worse than money-valued incentives in terms of encouraging lifestyle changes (odds ratio [OR], 0.30; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.11-0.82). Participants receiving incentives valued at $25 to <$100 were more likely to report higher agreement that the program helped them learn ways to care for their health (OR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.21-2.44) and encouraged lifestyle changes (OR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.02-2.10), compared to participants receiving incentives valued at $0 to <$25. Incentives valued at $100 to <$400 predicted higher agreement that the program helped with understanding of health issues (OR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.13-2.33), compared to incentives valued at $0 to <$25. CONCLUSION: Effective chronic disease prevention programs are needed for Medicaid populations. Study findings highlight important considerations for incentive-based programs.

Satisfaction with Financial Incentives for Chronic Disease Prevention.

ObjectiveWe examined Medicaid enrollees' experiences and satisfaction with financial incentives-based chronic disease prevention programs in 10 states. MethodsThis cross-site study of the Medicaid Incentives for Prevention of Chronic Diseases model used a mixed-methods approach to assess Medicaid enrollees' experiences and satisfaction with the incentive programs. We conducted 31 in-person focus groups with 212 program participants, followed by a mail survey in English and Spanish (N = 2274). We used both the qualitative focus group data and the quantitative survey data to examine participant satisfaction with the incentives, along with differences by program and incentive characteristics. ResultsOverall, focus group and survey findings aligned, with participants reporting satisfaction with program incentives. Participants felt that the incentives helped them make positive changes to improve their health. Nevertheless, satisfaction varied considerably depending on characteristics of the program, such as the form and magnitude of the incentive, health focus of the program, and program delivery method. ConclusionsProgram and incentive characteristics play key roles in participants' satisfaction and experience with incentive-based, chronic disease prevention programs. Further research is required to examine the optimal design of incentive programs to support sustained behavior change.

Projecting the Adequacy of the Multiple Sclerosis Neurologist Workforce.

BACKGROUND: Anecdotal reports suggest shortages among neurologists who provide multiple sclerosis (MS) patient care. However, little information is available regarding the current and future supply of and demand for this neurologist workforce. METHODS: We used information from neurologist and neurology resident surveys, professional organizations, and previously reported studies to develop a model assessing the projected supply and demand (ie, expected physician visits) of neurologists providing MS patient care. Model projections extended through 2035. RESULTS: The capacity for MS patient visits among the overall neurologist workforce is projected to increase by approximately 1% by 2025 and by 12% by 2035. However, the number of individuals with MS may increase at a greater rate, potentially resulting in decreased access to timely and high-quality care for this patient population. Shortages in the MS neurologist workforce may be particularly acute in small cities and rural areas. Based on model sensitivity analyses, potential strategies to substantially increase the capacity for MS physicians include increasing the number of patients with MS seen per neurologist, offering incentives to decrease neurologist retirement rates, and increasing the number of MS fellowship program positions. CONCLUSIONS: The neurologist workforce may be adequate for providing MS care currently, but shortages are projected over the next 2 decades. To help ensure access to needed care and support optimal outcomes among individuals with MS, policies and strategies to enhance the MS neurologist workforce must be explored now.

Factors influencing professional life satisfaction among neurologists.

BACKGROUND: Predicted shortages in the supply of neurologists may limit patients' access to and quality of care for neurological disorders. Retaining neurologists already in practice provides one opportunity to support the overall supply of practicing neurologists. Understanding factors associated with professional life satisfaction (and dissatisfaction) and implementing policies to enhance satisfaction may encourage neurologists to remain in clinical practice. In this paper, we present results from the first study examining factors associated with professional life satisfaction among a large sample of U.S, neurologists. METHODS: We collaborated with the AAN to survey a sample of U.S. neurologists about their professional life satisfaction. Analyses examined the association of physician and practice characteristics with aspects of professional life satisfaction, including satisfaction with their career in medicine, medical specialty, current position, relationship with colleagues, relationship with patients, work/life balance, and pay. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 625 neurologists. In multivariate regression analyses, no single group or population stratum indicated high (or low) responses to all aspects of satisfaction. Older neurologists reported higher satisfaction with career, specialty, and relationship with patients than younger neurologists. Female neurologists had significantly lower satisfaction with pay than male neurologists. Neurologists who spent more time in research and teaching had greater satisfaction with specialty, relationship with colleagues, and relationship with patients than those spending no time in research. Neurologists who practiced in small cities/rural areas reported lower satisfaction across multiple dimensions than those practicing in large urban areas. Neurologists in solo practice had greater satisfaction with the relationship with their patients, but lower satisfaction with pay. CONCLUSIONS: Satisfaction is a multidimensional construct that is associated with physician and practice characteristics. Enhancing professional life satisfaction among neurologists requires multiple strategies, such as promoting comparable wages for men and women, providing collaboration and research opportunities, and providing resources for small and rural practices.

The National Cancer Institute Community Cancer Centers Program (NCCCP): Sustaining Quality and Reducing Disparities in Guideline-Concordant Breast and Colon Cancer Care.

BACKGROUND: The National Cancer Institute Community Cancer Centers Program (NCCCP) pilot was designed to improve quality of cancer care and reduce disparities at community hospitals. The NCCCP's primary intervention was the implementation of the Commission on Cancer Rapid Quality Reporting System (RQRS). The RQRS is a hospital-based data collection and evaluation system allowing near real-time assessment of selected breast and colon cancer quality of care measures. Building on previous NCCCP analyses, this study examined whether improvements in quality cancer care within NCCCP hospitals early in the program were sustained and whether improvements were notable for minority or underserved populations. METHODS: We compared changes in concordance with three breast and two colon cancer quality measures approved by the National Quality Forum for patients diagnosed at NCCCP hospitals from 2006 to 2007 (pre-RQRS), 2008 to 2010 (early-RQRS), and 2011 to 2013 (later-RQRS). Data were obtained from NCCCP sites participating in the Commission on Cancer Rapid Quality Reporting System. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of concordance with breast and colon cancer quality measures. RESULTS: The sample included 13,893 breast and 5,546 colon cancer patients. After RQRS initiation, all five quality measures improved significantly and improvements were sustained through 2013. Quality of care measures showed sustained improvements for both breast and colon cancer patients and for vulnerable patient subgroups including black, uninsured, and Medicaid-covered patients. CONCLUSIONS: Quality improvements in NCCCP hospitals were sustained throughout the duration of the program, both overall and among minority and underserved patients. Because many individuals receive cancer treatment at community hospitals, facilitating high-quality care in these environments must be a priority. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Quality improvement programs often improve practice, but the methods are not maintained over time. The implementation of a real-time quality reporting system and a network focused on improving quality of care sustained quality improvement at select community cancer centers. The NCCCP pilot increased numbers of patients receiving guideline-concordant care for breast and colon cancer in community settings, and initial improvements noted in earlier years of RQRS were sustained into later years, both overall and among minority and underserved patients. National initiatives that improve care for diverse patient groups are important for reducing and eliminating barriers to care.

Factors influencing the desire to provide MS patient care in clinical practice among physiatrists.

BACKGROUND: Rehabilitation care is an important part of care for individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). Little is known about factors influencing physiatrists' desire to provide MS care. OBJECTIVE: This study examines factors associated with physiatrists' attitudes towards providing MS care. METHODS: We collaborated with the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation to survey a sample of 300 U.S. physiatrists. Analyses examined the association of exposure to MS care resources during residency, physician demographic and practice characteristics with attitudes toward providing MS care. RESULTS: Physiatrists indicating negative factors limiting the number of MS patients seen in clinical practice were more likely to practice in a setting other than a major city and less likely to have interacted with MS specialists during residency. Physiatrists indicating factors having a positive influence on providing MS patient care were more likely to practice within a major city, see one or more MS patients per week, and serve as the primary physiatrist directing care for one or more MS patients. CONCLUSIONS: Physiatrists indicated positive and negative attitudes towards MS care. Increasing exposure to MS patients, providing resources for MS care, and participating in continuing education on MS, may encourage physiatrists to provide MS patient care.

Can Incentives Improve Medicaid Patient Engagement and Prevent Chronic Diseases?

Under the Medicaid Incentives for the Prevention of Chronic Diseases model, 10 states are testing whether incentives can encourage Medicaid beneficiaries to lose weight, stop smoking, work to prevent diabetes, or control risk factors for other chronic diseases. This commentary describes these incentive programs and how they will be evaluated.

Factors associated with interest in subspecialty training among neurology residents.

UNLABELLED: PHENOMENON: Previous studies have not explored factors associated with decisions among neurology residents to pursue subspecialty training within neurology. Understanding career choices among neurology residents, particularly decisions regarding subspecialty training, is critical, as neurologists with specialized knowledge can help meet the needs of patients with specific disease conditions. This study addresses the knowledge gap about subspecialty training decisions by examining factors associated with neurology residents' interest in pursuing subspecialty training and the types of subspecialty training neurology residents consider. APPROACH: We surveyed a geographically stratified sample of neurology residents in U.S. training programs using a two-stage survey design. In Stage 1, we randomly sampled half of the accredited neurology residency programs stratified by U.S. census region; Stage 2 involved a survey of neurology residents within these programs. FINDINGS: The majority (approximately 81%) of residents expressed interest in subspecialty training. Resident demographic characteristics and educational debt did not influence interest in pursuing subspecialty training. Residents were more likely to express interest in subspecialty training when they participated in any neurology research (odds ratio [OR] = 2.39), 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.13, 5.07], p = .02, and indicated more interest in careers involving teaching (OR = 8.33), 95% CI [1.64, 42.19], p = .01. Considering the "medical content of subspecialty" as a more important factor approached but did not reach statistical significance (OR = 3.12), 95% CI [0.97, 10.06], p = .06. Insights: Participation in any neurology research and interest in careers involving teaching are associated with interest in subspecialty training among neurology residents. Further research is needed to determine whether exposure to research and teaching stimulates interest in subspecialty training and whether residents believe that subspecialty training is instrumental in pursuing an academic career.

Factors influencing interest in providing MS patient care among physiatry residents.

BACKGROUND: Rehabilitation care is an important part of comprehensive care for MS patients. Little is known about the number of physiatry residents who are interested in providing care to individuals with multiple sclerosis [MS]. OBJECTIVE: This study examines factors that influence physiatry residents' interest in providing care to MS patients. METHODS: We randomly sampled half of all Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-certified physical medicine and rehabilitation residency programs in the continental United States and Puerto Rico. Surveys were received from 74% of programs (Stage 1 response rate) and from 221 residents (45% Stage 2 response rate). RESULTS: Residents expressing interest in providing MS care were more likely to be female, Asian, and to select statements emphasizing multidisciplinary care approaches and a community of dedicated professional colleagues as positive features of MS patient care. Residents interested in teaching and with more education debt were marginally more likely to express interest in MS care. CONCLUSIONS: Medical education should emphasize the need for physical medicine and rehabilitative care among individuals with MS, the ability of physiatrists to improve the functional status and quality of life for MS patients, and the team-based nature of MS care.

Factors Associated with Neurologists' Provision of MS Patient Care.

Neurologists are central to providing quality care for individuals with MS. However, neurologist shortages may restrict access to care for MS patients. To examine factors influencing neurologists' provision of MS care, we surveyed 1,700 US neurologists to assess demographic/practice characteristics, training, and attitudes toward MS care. The study population consisted of 573 respondents: 87 (15.2%) MS subspecialists and 486 (84.8%) "other neurologists," including subspecialists in other neurology areas (i.e., non-MS) and general neurologists. MS subspecialists indicating they "enjoy interacting with MS patients" had a significantly greater rate of MS patients seen per week. In separate analyses of the "other neurologists" group, the rate of MS patients seen was lower among neurologists in university-based groups or those practicing in major cities; female neurologists; and neurologists who indicated lack of sufficient knowledge regarding MS patient care. Rates of MS patients seen were significantly greater for other neurologists who agreed that MS care involved "ability to improve patient outcomes and quality of life"; "dynamic area with evolving treatment options"; and "enjoy interacting with MS patients." Understanding factors influencing MS patient care by neurologists and developing policies for appropriate access to care is critical for optimal outcomes among this population.

Interest in providing multiple sclerosis care and subspecializing in multiple sclerosis among neurology residents.

BACKGROUND: Although detailed knowledge regarding treatment options for multiple sclerosis (MS) patients is largely limited to neurologists, shortages in the neurologist workforce, including MS subspecialists, are predicted. Thus, MS patients may have difficulties in gaining access to appropriate care. No systematic evaluation has yet been performed of the number of neurology residents planning to pursue MS subspecialization. This study identifies factors affecting interest in providing MS patient care or MS subspecialization among current neurology residents. METHODS: We randomly selected half of all Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education-certified neurology residency programs in the continental United States to receive the neurology resident survey. Completed surveys were received from 218 residents. RESULTS: Residents were significantly more likely to have increased interest in MS care when they participated in MS research, were interested in teaching, and indicated that the "ability to improve patient outcomes and quality of life" was a positive factor influencing their desire to provide MS patient care. Residents who were interested in providing MS care, interested in teaching, and indicated that "research opportunities" was a positive factor for providing MS patient care were significantly more likely to express interest in MS subspecialization. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing opportunities to interact with MS patients, learn about MS care, and participate in MS research may increase interest in MS care and subspecialization among neurology residents. Opportunities to educate residents regarding MS patient care may affect residents' attitudes.