Implementation of a specialized neuroprognostication consultation program and associated provider attitudes: A...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Critical Care Medicine
• Medical Education

Background:

• Neuroprognostication after cardiac arrest is critical but often deviates from evidence-based guidelines.
• Translating rapidly evolving research into clinical practice for disorders of consciousness remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a novel, specialized, interdisciplinary, and longitudinal neuroprognostication program on provider attitudes and satisfaction.
• To assess improvements in the perceived usefulness and comprehensiveness of neuroprognostication following program implementation.

Main Methods:

• Surveys were distributed to critical care providers and neurologists before (2021-2022) and after (2023) program implementation.
• Fisher exact tests compared perceptions and satisfaction between program-exposed and control groups (historical and contemporary).
• 545 responses were analyzed, assessing attitudes towards neuroprognostication after cardiac arrest.

Main Results:

• Program-exposed providers reported significantly greater usefulness (94% vs. 69%/68%) and comprehensiveness (94% vs. 76%/66%) of neuroprognostication compared to controls.
• 63% of providers exposed to the program found it "much better" than the conventional model.
• Overall satisfaction with neuroprognostication significantly increased post-program implementation.

Conclusions:

• Implementation of a specialized neuroprognostication program positively influenced provider attitudes and satisfaction.
• The findings support further investigation and potential broader adoption of this specialized care model.
• Improving neuroprognostication practices can enhance patient care following cardiac arrest.