An online support system for stroke education — Focusing on use of the system by schoolteachers in junior high schools

Abstract

To prevent stroke, it is necessary to identify the symptoms of a transient ischemic attack (TIA) quickly and to be treated at special medical facilities. A stroke neurologist has been conducting stroke education lessons for teens. However, efficiently conveying the information is difficult because the lesson has some limitations, including a shortage of physicians who can present the information. In this study, we have developed an online support system that enables schoolteachers to provide stroke education. This is a new approach. By using our system, schoolteachers can lecture to students on stroke signs, risk factors, symptoms and the FAST message (Facial droop, Arm weakness, Speech disturbance and Time of emergency call) for identifying typical symptoms of TIA. Additionally, we provide a web-based questionnaire survey for checking students' knowledge level. As a trial run of the system, we conducted a test lesson involving 78 students and a schoolteacher in a public junior high school. It was confirmed that the lesson could be conducted without trouble. On average, 70% of all students answered a question about the FAST message correctly. It was suggested that the function of the management side needs to be improved to increase the accuracy of the answer data. Our system could be used as a support tool for stroke education.