CONTEMPORARY ISSUES Initial experiences of US neurologists in practice during the COVID-19 pandemic via survey Akanksha Sharma, MD, Christina R. Maxwell, PhD, Jill Farmer, DO, Diana Greene-Chandos, MD, Kathrin LaFaver, MD, and Karima Benameur, MD Neurology ® 2020;95:215-220. doi:10.1212/WNL.0000000000009844 Correspondence Dr. Sharma ekakanksha@gmail.com Abstract Objective To test the hypothesis that US neurologists were experiencing significant challenges with lack of personal protective equipment (PPE), rapid changes in practice, and varying institutional protocols, we conducted this survey study. The current coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused widespread disease and death. Rapid increases in patient volumes have exposed weaknesses in health care systems and challenged our ability to provide optimal patient care and adequate safety measures to health care workers (HCWs). Methods A 36-item survey was distributed to neurologists around the United States through various media platforms. Results Over a 1-week period, 567 responses were received. Of these, 56% practiced in academia. A total of 87% had access to PPE, with 45% being asked to reuse PPE due to shortages. The pandemic caused rapid changes in practice, most notably a shift toward providing care by teleneurology, although a third experienced challenges in transitioning to this model. Wide variations were noted both in testing and in the guidance provided for the exposed, sick, or vulnerable HCWs. Notably, 59% of respondents felt that their practices were doing what they could, although 56% did not feel safe taking care of patients. Conclusions Results from our survey demonstrate significant variability in preparedness and responsiveness to the COVID-19 pandemic in neurology, affected by region, health care setting, and practice model. Practice guidelines from professional societies and other national entities are needed to improve protection for physicians and their patients, promote recommended practice changes during a pandemic, and optimize future preparedness for public health emergencies. MORE ONLINE COVID-19 Resources For the latest articles, invited commentaries, and blogs from physicians around the world NPub.org/COVID19 From the University of Washington Medical Center (A.S.), Seattle, WA; Global Neurosciences Institute (C.R.M., J.F.), Lawrenceville, NJ; University of New Mexico (D.G.-C.), Albuquerque, NM; Northwestern University (K.L.), Chicago, IL; and Emory University (K.B.), Atlanta, GA. Go to Neurology.org/N for full disclosures. Funding information and disclosures deemed relevant by the authors, if any, are provided at the end of the article. Copyright © 2020 American Academy of Neurology 215 Copyright © 2020 American Academy of Neurology. Unauthorized reproduction of this article is prohibited.