Diagnosis and Treatment of Tardive Dyskinesia: Online Medical Education Improves Psychiatrists Knowledge, Competence, and Confidence

Objectives This study examined whether online continuing medical education (CME) could improve the knowledge, competence, confidence of psychiatrists regarding the diagnosis and management of tardive dyskinesia (TD). Methods Psychiatrists participated in a 30-minute online video-based lecture presented by an expert faculty. Educational effect was assessed using a repeated-pair design with pre-/post-assessment. 3 multiple choice questions assessed knowledge, and 1 question rated on a Likert-type scale assessed confidence. A paired samples t-test was conducted for significance testing on overall average number of correct responses and for confidence rating, and a McNemar’s test was conducted at the question level (5% significance level, P <.05). Data were collected from 4/14/2022 to 7/8/2022. Results Psychiatrists (n=579) showed significant improvements in overall knowledge and competence (P<.001) as well as confidence. • There was a 9% relative improvement in knowledge among psychiatrists regarding the factors that differentiate TD from other motor symptoms associated with antipsychotic use • There was a 18% relative improvement in competence among psychiatrists regarding the selection of appropriate pharmacotherapy for TD • 38% of psychiatrists had measurable increases in confidence to diagnose and treat TD Conclusions This study demonstrated the success of online, video-based lecture CME on improving knowledge, competence, and confidence related to the diagnosis and management of TD. These findings suggest the benefits of education that addresses clinicians’ individual needs across the continuum of their professional development. Funding Medscape Education, Neurocrine Biosciences