Online seizure first aid certification program is an effective means of improving student knowledge and self efficacy surrounding epilepsy

Abstract

IntroductionEpilepsy is a neurological disorder, characterized by recurring seizures, affecting more than 3.4 million adults and children throughout the United States. Still, there are sizable gaps in awareness and knowledge of this disorder, and persistent misunderstandings and stigmas surrounding epilepsy and seizure first aid (SFA) pose a risk to those living with this condition. The Epilepsy Foundation, with support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has developed programs to address the issue of insufficient public education and awareness surrounding epilepsy. One of these programs is a free, accessible online Seizure Recognition and First Aid Certification program, established in 2021. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Epilepsy Foundation’s online Seizure Recognition and First Aid Certification program in improving student knowledge of epilepsy and appropriate bystander-intervention methods to assist a person experiencing a seizure. MethodsThe Epilepsy Foundation’s online Seizure Recognition and First Aid Certification course evaluates student performance via a 16-question knowledge assessment and six question self-efficacy assessment provided both before and after completion of the course. Pre- and post-course scores of students who enrolled between December of 2021 and September of 2022 were collected. Average score improvement was evaluated via the difference in pre-course and post-course first-attempt scores. Statistical significance was evaluated using paired sample, two-tailed t-tests of pre-course and post-course scores. ResultsAverage pre-course knowledge score was 74.33% (n = 10,371, σ2 = 3.04%), post-course score was 88.04% (n = 10,371, σ2 = 0.83%), and score difference was 13.71% (p < 0.001). Average pre-course self-efficacy score was 63.44% (n = 8,046, σ2 = 4.71%), post-course score was 87.08% (n = 8,046, σ2 = 1.68%), and score difference was 23.64% (p < 0.001). ConclusionWe found a significant increase in knowledge and self-efficacy assessment scores after students completed the online Seizure Recognition and First Aid Certification course, suggesting that the program is an effective method of improving the understanding of epilepsy and bystander interventions to assist a person who is experiencing a seizure. In the future, awareness should continue to be promoted through SFA training programs and improving accessibility to such programs so that the risks associated with experiencing a seizure without receiving assistance are reduced for people living with epilepsy.