Assessing competency in spasticity management: a method of development and assessment

Area of Science:

• Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
• Medical Education
• Neurology

Background:

• Spasticity and upper motor neuron syndrome sequelae require specialized management skills.
• Existing training may lack standardized competency-based evaluation.
• Physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) residents need structured education in spasticity care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and implement an educational module for PM&R residents on spasticity evaluation and treatment.
• To objectively verify resident competency in managing spasticity and related conditions.
• To establish a framework for defining baseline competency in spasticity management.

Main Methods:

• A board-certified PM&R physician with 10 years of spasticity experience delivered training.
• A standardized, competency-based educational module was utilized.
• Objective assessment tools, including pre/post-tests and observed skills evaluations, were employed.

Main Results:

• All 16 participating residents demonstrated proficiency in spasticity evaluation and management.
• Significant improvement in test scores was observed (mean pretest 61.1% to mean posttest 95.4%).
• Residents were deemed competent through direct observation and oral testing by a specialist.

Conclusions:

• The developed educational module and evaluation methodology successfully trained residents in spasticity management.
• Objective verification confirmed resident proficiency, validating the assessment tools.
• This program offers a potential framework for defining baseline competency in clinical spasticity management.