Knowledge, confidence, and behavioral changes after an Alzheimer's disease continuing education program for nurse practitioners.

Abstract

Abstract: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive, neurodegenerative disorder that currently affects an estimated 6.9 million people in the United States. Despite the growing prevalence of AD, management of this common condition remains suboptimal. To address knowledge and practice gaps related to cognitive evaluation and Alzheimer's diagnosis and treatment, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (NPs) developed a 1.5-contact hour NP-focused continuing education (CE) program on AD. Changes in learner knowledge, competence, and confidence were assessed with preactivity and postactivity surveys; qualitative follow-up interviews were conducted to evaluate retention of CE material and behavior changes. In total, 4,793 learners (NPs, 93.6%) who completed the activity and self-reported providing patient care were included in the outcomes analysis. In the pre-activity assessment, notable knowledge and competence deficiencies were identified related to the diagnosis, classification, and pharmacotherapeutic management of AD. The CE activity was associated with significant improvements in knowledge and competence, with a 20-percentage point increase in correct response rate from the pre-activity to post-activity survey (p < .001). Learner confidence in their ability to perform key clinical tasks related to Alzheimer's management also improved. Twelve NPs participated in follow-up interviews; most reported that the CE activity reinforced their current practices. Despite improvements in knowledge and competence, certain knowledge gaps persisted, and learners identified several ongoing barriers to optimal management, including lack of access to specialists. Given the changing Alzheimer's landscape, ongoing educational interventions targeted to the NP workforce are needed to serve the growing population of adults at risk for AD.