Failed Knowledge Retention from Educational Intervention on Anaphylaxis Management Among Medical Personnel

Scholar Pilot and Validation Studies, vol. 2, pp. 11–16

Abstract

Abstract Background: Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that is often inadequately treated in the hospital setting, leading to adverse outcomes. We hypothesize that a brief educational intervention will enhance knowledge of community-based medical professionals evaluated by pre- and post-questionnaires, leading to improved recognition and management of anaphylaxis. Methods: An initial questionnaire consisting of eight multiple-choice questions and two fill in response pertaining to anaphylaxis identification, management, and treatment was completed by 189 University Hospitals Regional Hospitals personnel, including faculty, nurses, student, residents, and Emergency Medical Services (EMS). The participants were then offered an educational intervention, including a 10-slide, 20-minute PowerPoint presentation on anaphylaxis, and review of the pre-educational intervention questionnaire responses, followed by a post-educational intervention questionnaire similar to the initial questionnaire. Seventy-seven participants completed the same questionnaire at a six-month follow-up to assess retention. Results: Participant scores improved from 62% to 94%, from the initial questionnaire to the immediate post- educational intervention questionnaire. The six-month post-educational intervention questionnaire revealed a return to near baseline (65%) medical knowledge regarding anaphylaxis Conclusion: Healthcare personnel demonstrate a knowledge deficit of identification and management of anaphylaxis. In the short-term, a brief, educational intervention did improve knowledge of anaphylaxis (p<0.00001). However, in the long-term, this educational intervention did not improve knowledge retention about anaphylaxis (p=0.52218). We received approval for and implemented an anaphylaxis order set in the electronic medical record (EMR) at University Hospitals, in effort to improve patient care.

Authors 10

1. John H. Johnson
   Affiliation as printed

   The Allergy and Asthma Center of Cape Cod, Falmouth, MA

2. Tina Abraham
   Affiliation as printed

   Pulmonary Allergy Critical Care & Sleep Associates, Rochester Hills, MI

3. Monica Sandhu Aachen Hill Country Allergy & Asthma

   Asthma + Lung UK · Liander (Netherlands) · HAL Allergy (Netherlands)

   Affiliation as printed

   Hill Country Allergy & Asthma, Leander, TX

4. Brian Patrick Peppers

   West Virginia University · West Virginia University Hospitals

   Affiliation as printed

   West Virginia University Medicine Children's Hospital, Morgantown, WV

5. Cathy Knorzer
   Affiliation as printed

   St. John Medical Center, University Hospitals, Westlake, OH

6. Brooke Lyman

   University of Cincinnati

   Affiliation as printed

   University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH

7. Sydney Lezaic

   John Carroll University

   Affiliation as printed

   John Carrol University, University Heights, OH

8. Marija J. Rowane corresponding

   Ohio University

   Affiliation as printed

   Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Athens, OH

9. Gennaro Romanello
   Affiliation as printed

   St. John Medical Center, University Hospitals, Westlake, OH

10. Robert Hostoffer
    Affiliation as printed

    Allergy Immunology Associates, Inc., Mayfield Heights, OH