Assessing the effect of an educational intervention on emergency medicine residents’ knowledge and perceptions of SCD: a pilot study

Abstract Objectives Individuals with SCD have suboptimal experiences in the emergency department (ED). Educational interventions that improve emergency medicine (EM) clinicians’ knowledge and perceptions of SCD may enhance the quality of care. This pilot study assessed the effect of an educational intervention on EM residents’ SCD knowledge and perceptions. Methods The sample consisted of 1st-3rd year EM residents in a Texas academic center in April 2024 (N = 17). The 40-minute interactive lecture included audio recordings of patient ED experiences and focused on SCD pain. SCD knowledge and perceptions were assessed before and immediately after the intervention. Knowledge was assessed using 19 items (range: 0-100), and perceptions were assessed using a modified General Perception About Sickle Cell Disease Patients Scale (GPSCPS), including four domains: negative, positive, red-flag (i.e., drug-seeking), and pain exaggeration perceptions (range: 0-100). Descriptive and inferential statistics were conducted, and significance was set at P < .25. Results Sixteen residents completed both pre- and post-test surveys (response rate = 94.1%). Baseline knowledge was suboptimal (mean = 52.3 ± 14.1). Participants had low negative (10.2 ± 8.2) and moderate positive (54.3 ± 33.6), red-flag (50.8 ± 14.0), and pain exaggeration (68.8 ± 19.3) perceptions at baseline. There was a significant 40-point increase in knowledge pre- to post-test. Three out of the four perception domains significantly improved (negative perceptions decreased, positive perceptions increased, and red-flag perceptions decreased), with the greatest change observed regarding reducing red-flag (ie, drug-seeking) perceptions. Conclusions Our educational intervention could be valuable for enhancing EM residents’ SCD knowledge and perceptions. However, further studies are needed to assess its effect comprehensively.