The Efficacy and Use of a Pocket Card Algorithm in Status Epilepticus Treatment
Jessica R Fesler1, Anne E Belcher1, Ahsan N Moosa1
1Epilepsy Center (JRF, ANM, LEJ, EMPK, DKL, AVA, DRN, VP), Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, OH; Johns Hopkins University School of Education (AEB), Baltimore, MD; and Neurological Institute (MAM), Cleveland Clinic, OH.
Neurology. Clinical Practice
|November 29, 2021
Summary
A pocket card treatment algorithm significantly reduced the time to administer rescue therapy for status epilepticus (SE). This educational tool proved effective and feasible for improving guideline implementation in clinical practice.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Neurology
- Clinical Education
Background:
- Status epilepticus (SE) is a medical emergency requiring prompt treatment.
- Current guidelines exist for SE management, but timely implementation can be challenging.
- Educational tools may improve adherence to evidence-based protocols.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate if a pocket card treatment algorithm improves early treatment of status epilepticus.
- To assess the utilization and retention of this pocket card in clinical practice.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal cohort study involving multidisciplinary care teams in video-recorded SE simulation sessions.
- Comparison of rescue benzodiazepine adequacy and timeliness before and after introducing a guideline-derived pocket card.
- Follow-up survey at 9 months to assess pocket card availability and utilization.
Main Results:
- The time to rescue therapy was significantly shorter with the pocket card (84 seconds) compared to before its introduction (144 seconds).
- Adequate benzodiazepine dosing did not significantly differ between groups.
- At 9 months, 65% of participants completed the survey, with 81% reporting pocket card availability and 34% confirming ready access.
Conclusions:
- A pocket card is a feasible and effective educational tool for improving the implementation of updated status epilepticus treatment guidelines.
- The pocket card demonstrated utility in enhancing the timeliness of SE management.
- Continued use and accessibility of the pocket card in clinical settings are supported.
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