Abstracts

Rationale: Nurses are key providers of patient/family education. Neuroscience nurses with a sound knowledge-base may be better able to improve the overall understanding of patients regarding their illness and what implications epilepsy has on their lifestyle.: The purpose of this study is to determine nurses' perception of their knowledge related to neuropsychological testing in epilepsy. A secondary purpose of this project is to determine if an educational intervention on neuropsychological testing in epilepsy can increase the knowledge and confidence level of neuroscience nurses. Methods: A convenience sample of full/part-time registered nurses and graduate nurses (potential n=119) from a 34-bed inpatient neuroscience unit and a 12-bed neuroscience intensive care unit in an accredited Epilepsy Center at an academic medical center located in the Midwest was used for this study. This IRB-approved descriptive study used a 25 question pre/post survey, which focused on the perceived confidence and knowledge of the subjects related to neuropsychological evaluation. There were 14 questions focusing on nurses' knowledge and confidence and 6 questions that referred to their beliefs. A 30 minute educational presentation was viewed prior to the post-survey. All descriptive and statistical tests were analyzed using PASW Statistics 19, Release Version 19.0.0. Results: All data was analyzed using Predictive Analytics SoftWare Statistics software. Descriptive statistics, including Chi Square Tests, Independent-Samples T-test or Non-parametric tests will be utilized for data analysis. N= 38 (Pre-survey n=74) Measures of confidence questions improved significantly following the education, but beliefs did not change. Conclusions: Implications may include that improvement in self-reported nurse confidence in practice competencies and knowledge promotes better overall care. Also neuroscience nursing education, understanding, and confidence levels may improve nurses' abilities to enhance patient outcomes.