Evaluation of an E-learning resource on approach to the first unprovoked seizure

Fleur A Le Marne; Hannah McGinness; Rob Slade; Michael Cardamone; Shirleen Balbir Singh; Anne M Connolly; Ann Me Bye

doi:10.1111/jpc.13277

Evaluation of an E-learning resource on approach to the first unprovoked seizure

J Paediatr Child Health. 2016 Sep;52(9):896-900. doi: 10.1111/jpc.13277.

Authors

Fleur A Le Marne^{1

2}, Hannah McGinness¹, Rob Slade¹, Michael Cardamone^{1

2}, Shirleen Balbir Singh¹, Anne M Connolly¹, Ann Me Bye^{3

4}

Affiliations

¹ Department of Neurology, Level 4 Emergency Wing, Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
² School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
³ Department of Neurology, Level 4 Emergency Wing, Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. annie.bye@health.nsw.gov.au.
⁴ School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. annie.bye@health.nsw.gov.au.

PMID: 27650145
DOI: 10.1111/jpc.13277

Abstract

Aim: To develop and evaluate an online educational package instructing paediatricians and trainees in the diagnosis and management of a first unprovoked seizure in children.

Methods: The E-learning content was created following a comprehensive literature review that referenced current international guidelines. Rigorous consultation with local paediatric neurologists, paediatricians and epilepsy nurses was undertaken. A series of learning modules was created and sequenced to reflect steps needed to achieve optimal diagnosis and management in a real-life situation of a child presenting with a paroxysmal event. Paediatric registrars and advanced trainees from the Sydney Children's Hospitals Network were assessed before and after using the E-learning Resource. Measures included general epilepsy knowledge, case-based scenario knowledge; self-rated measures of satisfaction with instruction and confidence regarding clinical approach to the child with first unprovoked seizure; and open ended questions evaluating the usefulness of the E-learning resource.

Results: Performance on measures of general epilepsy knowledge and on the seizure-related case scenarios improved significantly following completion of the E-learning as did self-rated satisfaction with instruction and confidence across all aspects of managing first seizure.

Conclusions: The E-learning resource has been validated as a useful educational resource regarding the first afebrile unprovoked seizure for paediatricians.

Keywords: diagnosis; differential; education; epilepsy; neurology; seizures.

Publication types

Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

Adult
Child
Clinical Competence
Computer-Assisted Instruction / methods*
Diagnosis, Differential
Education, Medical, Continuing / methods*
Education, Medical, Graduate / methods*
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
New South Wales
Pediatrics / education*
Seizures* / diagnosis
Seizures* / etiology
Seizures* / therapy