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Online educational curriculum in pediatric epilepsy: A pilot study
Steven Parrish Winesett1,2, Ernest K Amankwah3, Anh Thy H Nguyen4
1Neuroscience Institute, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, St. Petersburg, Florida.
Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners
|October 10, 2020
Summary
An online course effectively improved pediatric epilepsy knowledge and skills for nurse practitioners and physician assistants. This pilot study demonstrates a feasible and beneficial educational tool for healthcare professionals.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Medical Education
- Continuing Professional Development
Background:
- Increasing demand for pediatric neurology expertise necessitates enhanced training for nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs).
- Existing educational gaps in pediatric epilepsy management require innovative solutions for healthcare professionals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of an online curriculum for NPs/PAs treating pediatric epilepsy.
- To evaluate the impact of the online course on knowledge, electroencephalogram (EEG) skills, attitudes, and behaviors.
Main Methods:
- A 10-session online curriculum was developed and delivered to NPs and PAs over three 10-week courses.
- Feasibility was assessed by attendance and completion rates.
- Knowledge, EEG skills, attitudes, and behaviors were measured using pretest/posttest questionnaires and analyzed with paired t-tests and McNemar tests.
Main Results:
- Twenty-two of 29 participants (76%) completed the course, with an average attendance of approximately 85%.
- Significant improvements were observed in medication knowledge (p = .001) and EEG skills (p < .001).
- Positive changes in attitudes and behaviors related to pediatric epilepsy care were also noted.
Conclusions:
- The online pediatric epilepsy course is feasible and demonstrates potential educational benefits for NPs and PAs.
- This program offers a convenient and effective continuing education option for healthcare professionals in pediatric neurology.
- Online learning modalities can successfully enhance specialized knowledge and skills for hard-to-reach healthcare providers.