Using a Virtual Training Program to Train Community Neurologist on EEG Reading Skills

Abstract

Background: EEG training requires iterative exposure of different patterns with continuous feedback from the instructor. This training is traditionally acquired through a traditional fellowship program, but only 28% of neurologists in training plan to do a fellowship in EEG. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the value of online EEG training to improve EEG knowledge among general neurologists. Methods: The participants were general neurologists invited through bulk e-mail and paid a fee to enroll in the virtual EEG program. A 40-question pretest exam was performed before training. The training included 4 online learning units about basic EEG principles and 40 online clinical EEG tutorials. In addition there were weekly live teleconferences for Q&A sessions. At the end of the program, the participants were asked to complete a posttest exam. Results: Fifteen of 20 participants successfully completed the program and took both the pre- and posttest exams. All the subjects scored significantly higher in the posttest compared to their baseline score. The average score in the pretest evaluation was 61.7% and the posttest average was 87.8% (p = .0002, two-tailed). Conclusions: Virtual EEG training can improve EEG knowledge among community neurologists.