S1414 Enhanced Trainee Understanding of Appropriate Stress Ulcer Prophylaxis Using an Evidence-Based Practice Tool

Introduction: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are commonly prescribed for stress ulcer prophylaxis (SUP) in critically ill patients. Inappropriate initiation of inpatient PPI therapy can contribute to unnecessary polypharmacy and increases the potential risk of complications, including pneumonia and C. difficile infection. This study evaluates the impact of a targeted evidence-based practice tool (EBPT) educational intervention on knowledge and appropriate usage of PPIs for SUP among residents rotating through a medical intensive care unit (ICU). Methods: A prospective cohort study was performed, including internal medicine residents rotating through the ICU of a large urban medical center. A simple yet comprehensive EBPT summarizing the key indications for SUP in ICU patients was distributed to all trainees. An internally validated survey assessing baseline medical knowledge, confidence, and practice-based understanding of the appropriate indications of SUP was circulated to participants before and after the EBPT, with the post-intervention questionnaire being completed 2 weeks after the intervention. Survey responses were analyzed to assess changes in understanding of and reported clinical behavior for SUP. Results: A total of 43 residents completed the study (24 first-years, 6 second-years, 13 third-years). Majority had at least 4 weeks experience rotating in an ICU during residency, with many having 12 weeks or more prior to completing the study. From the first to the second survey, self-reported familiarity with indications for SUP initiation improved from a mean 5-point Likert scale score of 3.18 to 3.63 (P = .008). Participants answered 4 knowledge-based questions assessing appropriate PPI use in SUP, including 2 clinical vignettes, one multiple-choice, and one multi-select question. Knowledge assessment showed marked improvement between surveys: correct responses increased from 34% to 56% (Q1) (P = .02), 70% to 88% (Q2) (P = .02), and 22% to 47% (Q3) (P = .003). For the multi-select question, correct selections increased from 19% to 81% (P = < .0001), indicating improved accuracy in identifying appropriate SUP indications following use of the EBPT. Conclusion: Following EBPT-based education, residents demonstrated an increased understanding of the indications for initiation PPI use for SUP in ICU patients as well as greater confidence in their knowledge of SUP protocols. These findings demonstrate the benefit of utilizing a targeted EBPT to promote appropriate SUP management in the ICU setting.