Abstract Details

Title Confidence and Knowledge Retention For Inpatient Acute Stroke Management Among Internal Medicine Residents Via a "Code Stroke" Lecture

Topic Research Methodology, Education, and History

Presentation(s) Research Methodology and Education Posters (7:00 AM-5:00 PM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 051

Background Acute stroke management is essential in neurology residency education, with most programs providing a combination of lectures, simulations, and patient-based didactics. However, medical trainees in related specialties are less likely to be provided dedicated training in acute stroke care despite having to care for hospitalized patients with acute stroke

Objective

The objectives of this survey-based study were to: 1) assess pre-existing confidence and knowledge about acute stroke care among internal medicine trainees and 2) measure any change after a dedicated lecture-based didactic ("intervention") regarding acute stroke care.

Design/Methods A pre-lecture survey and knowledge assessment was given to internal medicine residents and medical students, followed by one-hour lecture on acute stroke management. A post-intervention survey and knowledge assessment as administered immediately after the lecture, and again approximately 3-4 weeks later at the end of their rotation. A 10-point Likert scale was used to indicate confidence. Statistics were performed using Student’s T-Test via Microsoft Excel.

Results Fifty-one respondents participated in the survey and knowledge assessment; 25% completed the delayed post-intervention survey (average 22 days after intervention). On average, respondents scored 56% on knowledge assessment, which improved to 89% post-intervention (p<0.001). There was no significant difference between immediate versus delayed knowledge assessment (p=0.31). Respondents reported modest confidence pre-intervention (5.2/10 and 5.8/10) and increased confidence (6.4/10, p=0.0007; 6.8/10, p=0.0007) post-intervention in their ability to respond to an inpatient code stroke, in addition to understanding indications and contraindications for various acute stroke therapies.

Conclusions

A dedicated lecture-based intervention was useful in improving acute stroke management knowledge and confidence among internal medicine trainees, which were retained throughout their rotation.

Authors/Disclosures
Vincent LaBarbera, MD (Brown Neurology) PRESENTER	Dr. LaBarbera has nothing to disclose.
Daniel Sacchetti, DO	Dr. Sacchetti has nothing to disclose.