Abstract Details

Title Evaluation of the Effectiveness, Relevance, and Feasibility of a Virtual Emergency Neurological Life Support Course for African Healthcare Workers

Topic Global Health and Neuroepidemiology

Presentation(s) Global Health Posters (7:00 AM-5:00 PM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 004

Background

Neurological disorders are the leading cause of disability-adjusted life years worldwide. Low and middle income countries bear the majority of this burden but have the fewest neurologists per population and limited opportunities for neurological training.

Objective

To assess the effectiveness, relevance, and feasibility of the Neurocritical Care Society’s Emergency Neurological Life Support (ENLS) course delivered via Zoom to African healthcare professionals.

Design/Methods We offered the ENLS course covering 14 neurocritical conditions via Zoom to 403 African healthcare workers over a 5-day period. Participants completed pre- and post-course surveys to assess the effectiveness, relevance, and feasibility of the course to their settings.

Results

318 participants (46% female; 56% residents; 34% neurologists; 9.0 + 6.7 years practicing medicine) from 11 African countries completed the pre-course self-assessment and 232 the post-course self-assessment. There were no statistically significant differences between these groups. Pre-course, topics with the highest proportion of participants reporting they were either uncomfortable or very uncomfortable managing included spinal cord injury (45%), airway management (40%), increased intracranial pressure (38%), spinal cord compression (36%), and traumatic brain injury (33%). Pre-course and post-course comfort levels showed statistically significant improvements (p<0.001) across all topics. 95% of participants found the course to be relevant to their current practice setting. The majority agreed the Zoom online platform was easy to use (94%) and an appropriate method of delivery that facilitated their learning (93%). However, 39% of participants reported that technical issues or internet connectivity made it difficult to fully participate in the course.

Conclusions The virtual ENLS course was effective in improving participants’ self-reported comfort levels in the management of neurocritical illnesses and relevant to the settings of African healthcare workers. Zoom was an effective medium for delivering the course and facilitated learning. Virtual platforms should be considered to improve neurology training in resource-limited settings without adequate access to specialist educators.

Authors/Disclosures
Khadijah Tiamiyu PRESENTER	Khadijah Tiamiyu has nothing to disclose.
Jose I. Suarez, MD, FAAN (Johns Hopkins Hospital)	Dr. Suarez has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving as a Consultant for Idorsia. Dr. Suarez has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving as an Expert Witness for The Mayo Clinic.
Deanna Saylor, MD, MHS (Johns Hopkins Hospital)	The institution of Dr. Saylor has received research support from National Institutes of Health. The institution of Dr. Saylor has received research support from National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The institution of Dr. Saylor has received research support from American Academy of Neurology. The institution of Dr. Saylor has received research support from United States Department of State. Dr. Saylor has a non-compensated relationship as a Member of multiple committees and task forces focused on improving access to MS medications to people across the world with Multiple Sclerosis International Federation that is relevant to AAN interests or activities. Dr. Saylor has a non-compensated relationship as a Member of the Neurology and COVID19 committee with World Health Organization that is relevant to AAN interests or activities. Dr. Saylor has a non-compensated relationship as a Member of the International Outreach Committee, Junior and Early Career Membership Committee, and Educational Innovation Commitees with American Neurological Association that is relevant to AAN interests or activities.