Abstracts

Rationale: Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) constitute the mainstay of epilepsy therapy, and the broad array of AEDs provides an opportunity for individualized treatment. Despite the availability of more than 2 dozen AEDs, there are very few data available to guide clinicians in making optimal therapeutic treatment decisions. The most important criterion in choosing an AED for a patient with epilepsy is matching it to the patient's seizure type. Even when seizure disorders are correctly diagnosed and appropriate treatment is selected, many individuals with epilepsy do not attain satisfactory seizure control. The current study was undertaken to determine whether an online, case-based intervention could effectively improve clinician knowledge and competence regarding the assessment and management of clinically challenging forms of epilepsy. Methods: The educational intervention was an online, text-based CME activity comprising 2 patient case scenarios that challenged clinicians to apply the most recent clinical data and evidence-based recommendations. Educational effect was evaluated through the analysis of linked pre- vs post-assessment responses of individual learners, which allowed each learner to act as his/her own control. A paired 2-tailed t-test evaluated whether the mean pre- and post-assessment scores significantly differed from one another and Pearson's ?2 test measured changes in paired responses to individual questions. Cramer's V was used to calculate the effect size of the intervention. Data from the educational intervention were collected between January 29, 2016 and March 10, 2016. Results: For neurologists who participated in the online activity and responded to all assessment questions during the study period, comparison of assessment questions demonstrated statistically significant improvements (n = 350; P < .05) and a large effect (V =.444). As a result of participating in this educational program, significant knowledge and competence increases were observed in several specific areas (P < .05): recommended initial clinical approach in a patient with uncontrolled focal seizures (27% pre vs post relative improvement), core components of a seizure emergency plan (365% pre vs post relative improvement), initial AED selection in a patient with multiple seizure types (37% pre vs post relative improvement), and selection of second treatment in a patient with multiple seizure types (184% pre vs post relative improvement). Conclusions: This study demonstrated the success of a targeted, online, case-based educational intervention on improving the knowledge and competence of neurologists for the optimal management of clinically challenging forms of epilepsy. Funding: The educational intervention, outcomes measurement, and abstract development were funded through an independent educational grant from Eisai.