Curriculum Innovation: How Effective Is a Telementoring Virtual Epilepsy Curriculum in Postgraduate Medical...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Medical Education
• Telementoring

Background:

• Epilepsy management requires specialized knowledge, and poorly controlled seizures impact patients and healthcare systems.
• Project Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHOs) offers a telementoring model to extend specialized care via virtual teaching.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of Project ECHO-based epilepsy curricula is crucial for improving neurology training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of an interinstitutional Project ECHO-based epilepsy curriculum.
• To assess the impact on knowledge (Kirkpatrick level 2) and self-assessed practice (Kirkpatrick level 3) of neurology trainees in Canada.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving neurology trainees across Canada.
• Intervention group received ten 1-hour weekly virtual sessions (didactic and case-based).
• Knowledge assessed via multiple-choice quiz; practice effect via pre/post surveys.

Main Results:

• The intervention group scored significantly higher on the knowledge quiz (83.3% vs 64.5%, p=0.004).
• Participants reported high satisfaction (88.9% found it worthwhile).
• Significant improvements in self-perceived knowledge and confidence in non-medication treatment assessment were observed.

Conclusions:

• The interinstitutional Project ECHO-based epilepsy curriculum is effective in enhancing neurology trainees' knowledge and practice.
• Interactive virtual learning platforms are feasible and valuable for postgraduate medical education.
• Future research should consider expanding this program to other healthcare providers managing epilepsy.