Education Research: Current State and Effectiveness of EEG Education for Residents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

EEG interpretation is crucial for residents. However, studies indicated poor competency among residents in interpreting EEGs. We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the current state and effectiveness of EEG education for residents.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted in electronic bibliographic databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. Official websites of organizations including the International League Against Epilepsy, American Clinical Neurophysiology Society, American Epilepsy Society, International Child Neurology Association, Canadian Society of Clinical Neurophysiologists, and China Association Against Epilepsy were also searched for information on EEG education. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses methodologic standards for reporting systematic reviews were followed. The inclusion criteria of the articles were those that evaluated the effectiveness of EEG education or surveyed the status of EEG training for residents. Methodologic quality was assessed using the Risk of Bias in Nonrandomized Studies of Interventions, Version 2, tool. A meta-analysis of eligible studies was performed to compare precurriculum and postcurriculum test scores.

RESULTS

A total of 28,024 articles were identified of which 38 were included in the systematic review and 14 in the meta-analysis. EEG education methodologies varied widely. EEG curricula covered a range of topics, from fundamentals and advancements in EEG technology and interpretations to signal analysis, seizure semiology, and clinical applications for patients with epilepsy. There was a significant improvement in posttest scores compared with pretest scores, with a pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) of 1.76 (95% CI 1.14-2.39, < 0.00001). A subgroup analysis of neurology residents, based on 8 studies, showed a pooled SMD of 0.97 (95% CI 0.73-1.22, < 0.00001).

DISCUSSION

EEG education significantly improves residents' test scores and enhances their diagnostic skills of seizures. Future research should focus on evaluating the long-term retention of EEG knowledge following training, particularly regarding specialties.