Improving Knowledge of ICSD-3 and DSM-5 Criteria for Diagnosing Narcolepsy (P7.309)

OBJECTIVE: A study was conducted to determine whether an online educational intervention could improve neurologists’ knowledge and competence of ICSD-3 DSM-5 criteria for diagnosing narcolepsy. BACKGROUND: The average time from symptom onset to a diagnosis of narcolepsy is more than 10 years leading to diminished QoL, functional impairment, and risk for accidental injury. DESIGN/METHODS: The effectiveness of an online educational intervention focusing on the diagnoses of narcolepsy was analyzed. The format consisted of an audio lecture with slides for the target audience of neurologists. The educational impact was assessed by comparing the same group of participants’ responses to 4 identical pre- and post-assessment questions. A paired 2-tailed t-test was used to assess whether the mean post-assessment score was different from the mean pre-assessment score. McNemar’s χ2 statistic was used to measure changes in responses to individual questions. Probability values (P values) were also calculated for both t-test and χ2 statistics to determine significance level (α). Cohen’s d was used to calculate the effect size of the intervention. RESULTS: For neurologists who participated in the online activity, comparison of assessment questions demonstrated statistically significant improvements (n = 188; P <.05) and a large effect (d = 0.883). As a result of participating in this educational program, significant improvements were observed in several specific areas of ICSD-3 and DSM-5 criteria for diagnosing narcolepsy (P<.05): identification of common characteristics or symptoms associated with narcolepsy (39[percnt]), identification of cataplexy as a symptom virtually diagnostic of narcolepsy (23[percnt]), diagnosing narcolepsy type 2 (57[percnt]), and use of diagnostic sleep studies for differential diagnosis of narcolepsy (29[percnt]). CONCLUSIONS: Significant improvement in knowledge and competence of neurologists about ICSD-3 and DSM-5 narcolepsy diagnostic criteria demonstrates the effectiveness of a targeted online educational intervention. Study Supported by: Jazz Disclosure: Dr. mehta has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hughes has nothing to disclose. Dr. Ullman has nothing to disclose. Dr. Scherer has nothing to disclose.