The online educational tool "Roadmap to EEGs" significantly improved trainee performance in recognizing EEG patterns.

OBJECTIVE: We created a framework to assess the competency-based EEG curriculum, outlined by the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) through a video-based online educational resource ("Roadmap to EEGs") and assessed its effectiveness and feasibility in improving trainees' knowledge. METHODS: Ten video-based e-learning modules addressed seven key topics in EEG and epileptology (normal EEG, normal variants, EEG artifacts, interictal epileptiform discharges (IED), focal seizures, idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE), and developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEE)). We posted the educational videos on YouTube for free access. Pre- and post-tests, each comprising 20 multiple-choice questions, were distributed to institution leadership and advertised on social media platforms to reach a global audience. The tests were administered online to assess the participants' knowledge. Pre- and post-test questions showed different EEG samples to avoid memorization and immediate recall. After completing the post-test, participants were asked to respond to 7 additional questions assessing their confidence levels and recommendations for improvement. RESULTS: A total of 52 complete and matched pre- and post-test responses were collected. The probability of a correct response was 73% before teaching (95% CI: 70%-77%) and 81% after teaching (95% CI: 78%-84%). The odds of a correct response increased significantly by 59% (95% CI: 28%-98%, p < .001). For participants having >4 weeks of EEG training, the probability of a correct response was 76% (95% CI: .72-.79) and 81% after teaching (95% CI: .78-.84). The odds of answering correctly increased by 44% (95% CI: 15%-80%, p = .001). Participants felt completely confident in independently interpreting and identifying EEG findings after completing the teaching modules (17.1% before vs. 37.8% after, p-value < .0001). 86.5% of participants expressed a high likelihood of recommending the module to other trainees. SIGNIFICANCE: The video-based online educational resource allows participants to acquire foundational knowledge in EEG/epilepsy, and participants to review previously learned EEG/epilepsy information.

"Call Me by My Name": Improving Communication with Family Members at the Bedside via the Caregiver Identification Badge.

BACKGROUND: Patient and family experience are integral to the care that we provide. In the pediatric hospital setting, multiple family members are directly involved in patient care. We identified the need for greater caregiver name recognition at The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to improve communication between healthcare providers and families via the optimization of caregiver identification badges. METHODS: We used a qualitative, narrative study design to explore perceptions surrounding caregiver identification badges via unstructured interviews. RESULTS: We identified key hospital and family stakeholders. Unstructured interviews supported the theory that badge optimization could improve communication and patient care. Our initiative, however, was abruptly interrupted by the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSION: Communication with patients and families is crucial across medical disciplines. The optimization of caregiver identification badges to facilitate the use of preferred names and pronouns will ultimately lead to the more effective and safer delivery of high-quality care.

Generator replacement with cardiac-based VNS device in children with drug-resistant epilepsy: An observational study.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the seizure outcomes in children with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE), having a pre-existing VNS device, after generator replacement with cardiac-based VNS device. METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled 30 children with DRE from 2 centers with an existing VNS device nearing end-of-service who underwent generator replacement with cardiac-based VNS device and had at least 1 year follow up. Seizure outcomes and adverse effects were studied. RESULTS: The mean age at insertion of cardiac-based VNS device was 15.03 years. 26.7 % patients showed at least one class improvement at last follow up (mean 2.08 years) and half of the patients maintained their McHugh seizure-outcome class. Thirty-six percent of patients had > 50 % seizure reduction at last follow up. Ten patients reported improvement in ictal severity. Most of the patients tolerated the replacement well. CONCLUSIONS: Nearly one-third of patients with DRE showed additional improvement after replacement with cardiac based VNS device. Half of the patients maintained their seizure control.