Online Medical Education Program Improves Neurologist Knowledge of Evidence-based Recommendations on Dose Reductions of Anti-seizure Medications in Epilepsy
Jovana Lubarda1, Thomas Finnegan1, Frances McFarland1, Lawrence Seiden2
1Medscape Education, 2Atlanta Neuroscience Institute
Objective:
A study was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of an online educational intervention to improve knowledge and confidence among neurologists regarding evidence-based approaches to the dosing of ASMs.
Background:
Many patients continue to experience seizures despite treatment with first or second-line anti-seizure medication (ASM). In these situations, it is crucial that neurologists are able to personalize the selection of ASMs and use them at appropriate doses to maximize seizure control while minimizing the risk of adverse events.
Design/Methods:
The online continuing medical education (CME) activity format consisted of a 30-minute video discussion between three epileptologists. Educational effect was assessed by comparing a matched sample of neurologists’ responses to four identical questions presented before and directly after exposure to the intervention. A paired samples t-test was used for overall average number of responses and a McNemar’s test identified significant differences between pre- and post-assessment responses. Cohen’s d was used to calculate the effect size. Data were collected between March 21, 2023 and May 16, 2023.
Results:
Participation in the CME intervention resulted in a moderate educational effect size among neurologists (n=71; d=.59; p<0.001). The following areas showed significant (P <.05) pre- vs post-educational improvements: dosing of lacosamide when transitioning from combination therapy to monotherapy and the recommended dose reduction of clobazam when adding on cenobamate. Participation in the education did not result in a significant improvement in awareness that adverse events are an indicator to simplify a patient’s ASM treatment regimen. After participating in the activity, 31% of neurologists reported an increase in their confidence to utilize evidence-based strategies to reduce the risk of ASM-related adverse events.
Conclusions:
The results indicated that the CME-certified 30-minute video discussion was effective at improving awareness among neurologists regarding evidence-based dosing of ASMs. Future educational efforts should continue to address the details of ASM dosing.