Effectiveness, Relevance, and Feasibility of an Online Course on Multiple Sclerosis for African Healthcare Workers
Fiifi Duodu1, Alexandra Simpson2, Riadh Gouider3, Jacqueline Mavuti4, Dickson Munkombwe5, Frighton Mutete6, Dilraj Sokhi7, Naa Naamuah Tagoe8, Chimozi Tembo5, Mashina Chomba9, Deanna Saylor2
1Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital Medical department, 2Johns Hopkins Hospital, 3Neurology department, Razi University Hospital, 4Aga Khan University Medical College of East Africa, Nairobi Campu, 5University Teaching Hospital - Adult Hospital, 6Livingstone University Teaching Hospital, 7Aga Khan University Medical College of East Africa, Nairobi Campus, 8Opthalmology, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, 9University of Zambia
Objective:
To evaluate the effectiveness of an MS online course in enhancing African healthcare workers in understanding MS symptoms, diagnosing and management
Background:
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) diagnosis and management pose significant challenges in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), especially in Africa, where awareness and resources for its management are limited.
Design/Methods:
A five-day virtual MS course was conducted via Zoom, engaging almost 800 participants from 36 countries, including 22 African countries. The course featured tailored content for healthcare professionals in resource-limited settings, with specific sessions for ophthalmologists and neurosurgeons. Pre- and post-course surveys assessed participants' familiarity with MS, confidence in diagnosing the condition, and the relevance of the course to their clinical practice
Results:
398 participants completed the pre-course survey (51.4% female; 37.8% general practitioners, 28.2% internal medicine physicians, and 15.5% neurologists), while 301 completed the pre-course knowledge assessment, 221 completed the post-course survey, and 112 completed the post-course knowledge assessment. Mean knowledge assessment score improved from 9.9±2.8 (range: 3-16; total possible: 16) to 12.1±2.8 (range; 4-16) (p< 0.001), demonstrating a significant improvement in knowledge. Additionally, pre,- and post-course analysis revealed statistically significant improvements in familiarity with MS symptoms (mean pre: 2.9±0.1 versus post: 3.8±0.1, p < 0.001), confidence in diagnosing MS (mean pre: 2.6±0.1 versus post: 3.7±0.1. p < 0.001), and knowledge of MS management (mean pre: 2.5±0.1 vs post: 3.5±0.1, p < 0.001). Satisfaction with the course was high, with 95% of participants rating the material as highly relevant to MS care in Africa. Additionally, 97% expressed interest in attending similar future courses and would recommend the course to colleagues.
Conclusions:
This virtual course significantly enhanced healthcare workers' understanding of MS symptoms, diagnosis, and management in African contexts. The course was regarded as both relevant and feasible, underscoring the potential of virtual platforms to bridge the MS knowledge and training gap in LMICs
Disclaimer: Abstracts were not reviewed by Neurology® and do not reflect the views of Neurology® editors or staff.