Knowledge of The Recognition and Management of Tardive Dyskinesia Markedly Improved Among Psychiatrists: Assessing the Impact of Online Medical Education

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a persistent and potentially disabling movement disorder associated with prolonged exposure to antipsychotic medications that jeopardizes adherence to treatment and reduces quality of life. The recognition and management of TD can be challenging in many instances. An online activity was developed to assess the ability of continuing medical education (CME) to improve awareness of the recognition and management of TD among psychiatrists. METHODS: The online CME activity consisted of a 30-minute video discussion between three expert faculty. Educational effect was assessed by comparing a matched sample of psychiatrists' responses to four identical questions pre- and post-activity. A chi-square test identified significant differences between pre- and post-assessment responses. Cramer's V was used to calculate the effect size of the online education (≥ 0.16 is considerable). Data were collected between June 26 and August 6, 2019. RESULTS: Activity participation resulted in a considerable educational effect among psychiatrists (n=739; V=0.25, P<0.001). The following areas showed significant (P <0.05) pre- vs post-educational improvements: recognition of incidence of TD associated with different antipsychotic therapies, differentiation of TD from parkinsonism, and the personalized selection of therapies for the management of TD. 37% of psychiatrists had a measurable increase in confidence in understanding the role of the interprofessional team in recognizing TD after activity participation. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that a CME-certified 30-minute video activity was effective at improving knowledge among psychiatrists for the recognition and management of TD. Future education should continue to address best practices in the care of patients with TD. FUNDING: Neurocrine Bioscience, Inc.