Knowledge of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus among healthcare professionals

Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) is a prevalent, yet greatly underdiagnosed condition in older adults, which can cause significant disability if left untreated. Reduced knowledge among healthcare professionals could contribute to the existing mismatch between the prevalence and treatment rates of iNPH. This study aimed to determine the level of knowledge on iNPH amongst healthcare professionals working in Neurology, Neurosurgery, Geriatrics and other relevant acute services, as well as primary and community care. A cross-sectional study, based on retrospectively extracted data from questionnaires about key aspects of iNPH, was completed as part of iNPH educational sessions to healthcare professionals, between November-2022 and January-2024. Frequency distribution of answers was explored using descriptive statistics. Factors affecting the likelihood of giving a correct response were analysed using multiple logistic regression. The resulting sample included 274 healthcare professionals (81.8% females, median[IQR] 7[3-13] years' experience). There were varied, often low, levels of knowledge about iNPH. Correct answers ranged from 78.5% professionals acknowledging that iNPH can be treated surgically with a cerebrospinal-fluid shunt, to 16.8% correctly stating that iNPH can present with one or more of the symptoms' triad. Respondent's profession was found to be significantly related to answers. With some variation by profession, this study highlights concerningly low levels of knowledge on iNPH among healthcare professionals who may encounter patients with this condition in their daily practice. This could be improved with targeted, low-cost education and training, that could have a significant impact in improving the currently low treatment rates of this disabling condition.