Effectiveness of an educational program on improving healthcare providers' knowledge of acute stroke: A randomized block design study

BACKGROUND: Stroke is a time-sensitive neurological disease and a life-threatening medical condition. Providing timely management for stroke patients is a crucial issue in healthcare settings. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of an evidence-based educational program on healthcare providers' (HCPs) overall knowledge of stroke. METHODS: A randomized block design with post-test only was used. A total of 189 HCPs (physicians, registered nurses, and paramedics) involved with treating stroke patients in the emergency were recruited. Participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention or waiting list control group. A one-session, stroke educational program was offered to the HCPs followed by a post-test designed to assess knowledge about stroke. RESULTS: A significant main effect on the profession type was found, with physicians having higher mean scores of stroke knowledge compared with nurses and paramedics (F [2, 183]=48.55, P< 0.001). The implemented educational program had a positive effect on increasing the level of stroke knowledge among HCPs (F [1, 183]=43.31, P<0.001). The utilization of any evidence-based assessment tools for patients with suspected stroke was denied by 36% of the total sample. CONCLUSIONS: The implemented intervention can increase HCP's knowledge regarding stroke. Stroke education should be considered as one of the essential requirements for professional development for all HCPs in the emergency.