Abstract Details

Title Feasibility and Efficacy of an Interactive Neurological Emergencies Curriculum for First Responders – A Pilot Study

Topic �鶹��ýӳ��, Research, and Methodology

Presentation(s) P12 - Poster Session 12 (11:45 AM-12:45 PM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 5-013

Objective To study the impact of an interactive neurological emergencies (NE) curriculum for first responders (FRs) in a neurologically underserved community.

Background Despite their critical, initial role in patient management, FRs do not receive as extensive training in approach to NEs as clinicians in other disciplines.

Design/Methods An interprofessional team of neurologists, Emergency Medical Services leaders, and a stroke coordinator implemented a NE curriculum for FRs in Victoria, Texas. Case-based discussions, simulation, and gamification were leveraged to teach dizziness/syncope, traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke, seizure, headache, encephalopathy, and spinal cord and neuromuscular emergencies. Five synchronous in-person sessions were conducted between 10/2023-7/2024. FR self-reported familiarity with NE topics was assessed pre and post curricular implementation. FR completed pre-post knowledge assessments for individual sessions and the entire course. Monthly clinical metrics including aggregate door-to-needle-times, incidence of both thrombolytic administration, and transfer for thrombectomy for acute stroke patients were collected from a local community hospital.

Results There were 174 attendances, averaging 24 learners/session. We observed a nonsignificant increase in proportion of participants reporting “a moderate amount” and “a lot” of familiarity of NEs (p=0.83). Pre-post knowledge assessment scores improved for stroke, spinal cord and neuromuscular emergencies, and TBI and headache sessions (p<0.01, each). Scores did not significantly differ for the other NE topics(p=0.12) nor for the overall course (p=0.97). Locally, we noted a significant increase in tPA administration incidence (p=0.02), although no change in transfer for thrombectomy (p=0.11) nor door-to-needle-times (p=0.34) over time.

Conclusions Our pilot study supports feasibility of an NE curriculum for FRs. This intervention may improve familiarity with NEs and short-term learning for FRs, and potentially improve their recognition of acute stroke therapy candidates. Findings are limited by sample size. Larger scale studies in different settings will better characterize generalizability and implications of dedicated FR NEs education on prehospital workflow and clinical outcomes.

Authors/Disclosures
Tamia Garrett, MS PRESENTER	Miss Garrett has nothing to disclose.
Shivika Chandra, MD, F�鶹��ýӳ�� (University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston)	The institution of Dr. Chandra has received research support from American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology Faculty Innovation in �鶹��ýӳ�� Award. The institution of Dr. Chandra has received research support from Michael J Fox Foundation.
Deepa Dongarwar (McGovern Medical School)	Deepa Dongarwar has nothing to disclose.
Sushanth R. Aroor, MD	Dr. Aroor has stock in Gravity.
Cristy Autry, RN,BSN (Citizens Medical Center)	Mrs. Autry has nothing to disclose.
Mark Martyn	Mr. Martyn has received personal compensation in the range of $50,000-$99,999 for serving as a Battalion Chief of EMS with City of Victoria - Victoria Fire Dept.
Dana Woodward, EMTLP, AAS	Mr. Woodward has nothing to disclose.
Brandy Davis, EMT-LP	Ms. Davis has nothing to disclose.
Amanda Jagolino-Cole, MD, F�鶹��ýӳ�� (University of Texas Health Science Center At Houston)	Dr. Jagolino-Cole has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as an Editor, Associate Editor, or Editorial Advisory Board Member for �鶹��ýӳ�� - Neurology Clinical Practice Journal. .