Abstracts

Rationale: Dravet syndrome (DS) and other developmental and epileptic encephalopathies typically result from genetic variants that often result in both drug-resistant seizures and cognitive/behavioral symptoms. The heterogeneity and severity of symptoms often presents a challenge to clinicians. Data indicates that the diagnosis and comprehensive management of DS are suboptimal. This study evaluated the effectiveness of an online educational intervention to improve competence in the diagnosis and comprehensive management of DS among neurologists.


Methods: The online continuing medical education (CME) activity format consisted of a 60-minute video discussion between three pediatric epileptologists and a patient advocate that was recorded during a live CME-certified symposium at the 2023 American Epilepsy Society annual meeting. 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 correct responses and for confidence ratings. McNemar’s test was used to identify significant differences between pre- and post-assessment question responses. Cohen’s d was used to calculate the effect size of the online education. Data from the participants were collected between December 19, 2023 and February 5, 2024.


Results: Participation in the CME intervention resulted in a moderate educational effect size among neurologists (n=85; d=.58; p< 0.001). The following areas showed significant (P < .05) pre- vs post-educational improvements: identify DS as the most likely diagnosis in a case-based question and select a newer anti-seizure medication (ASM) in a patient with DS who has failed several prior ASMs. There was not a significant pre-vs-post education improvement in the ability of neurologists to correctly identify the most appropriate ASM in a patient with DS who is experiencing substantial deficits in the ability to sleep which are impacting daytime behavior. After participating in the activity, 36% of neurologists reported an increase in their confidence in the ability to identify nonseizure symptoms associated with developmental and epileptic encephalopathies?


Conclusions: The results indicated that a one hour CME-certified video discussion between physician experts and a patient advocate was effective at improving the ability of clinicians to recognize and care for patients with DS. Future educational efforts should continue to address strategies for personalizing the treatment of DS.


Funding: The educational activity and outcomes analysis were funded through an independent educational grant from Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Inc.