Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Treatment-Resistant Depression: An Interactive Self-Learning Module.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Medical Education

Background:

• Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is increasingly used in psychiatry, particularly for treatment-resistant depression (TRD).
• New psychiatry residents often lack sufficient exposure and understanding of TMS.
• FDA approval for TRD highlights the growing importance of TMS in clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce psychiatry residents to the fundamentals of TMS for TRD.
• To enhance resident proficiency in TMS indications, contraindications, side effects, and treatment protocols.
• To evaluate the efficacy of a self-learning module (SLM) in improving TMS knowledge.

Main Methods:

• An animated, narrated SLM was developed covering TMS basics for TRD.
• The module included self-assessment questions to reinforce learning.
• The SLM was implemented with psychiatry residents (PGY 1-4) at the University of Minnesota.
• Resident feedback was collected via 5-point Likert-scale surveys.

Main Results:

• Prior to the SLM, 64%-86% of residents felt they had not met educational objectives regarding TMS.
• Following the SLM, 79%-93% of residents agreed or strongly agreed they had met the educational objectives.
• The study demonstrated a significant improvement in resident understanding and confidence in TMS.

Conclusions:

• The SLM serves as an effective introductory curriculum for TMS in TRD for medical students and residents.
• This module can bridge the gap in TMS education for trainees lacking hands-on experience.
• As TMS adoption grows, this SLM can prepare future clinicians for its use.