(612) Assessing Knowledge and Practitioner Attitudes Toward Pupillometry in the Neuro-ICU

Introduction: Automated pupillometry (AP) is a valuable tool in the NeuroICU setting, but knowledge amongst healthcare professionals may vary. It is essential for clinicians to understand when it is appropriate to use AP and how it can aid in identifying patients at risk for neurologic deterioration. Our hospital recently acquired and approved the use of AP. Therefore, this study aimed to assess resident (neurology and neurosurgery) and RN (NeuroICU) knowledge of AP. We hypothesized that after providing a brief self-guided educational tool, participants understanding of AP would improve.

Methods: A pre-education survey was electronically sent, followed by a PowerPoint (8 slides), which included pupillometry principles, clinical applications, interpretation of pupillometry values, and our hospital protocol. A post-education survey was then sent electronically.

Results: Pre-education survey was sent to 77 participants, including 52 RNs and 25 neurology and neurosurgery residents, with a response rate of 39% (40% RN). In the pre-education survey: 73% had used AP, 63% were aware of its utility, and 30% thought specific pupillometry values were important, but only 23% reported knowing the value of NPi. AP reported as being valuable in improving patient care in 96%. Post-education survey response rate was 25% (37% RN). In the post-education survey, awareness was 100%, and 94% correctly reported appropriate AP values. Participants better understood the expanded use of AP such as anoxic/traumatic brain injury, seizures and monitoring of comatose patients.

Conclusions: While there was a low response rate, we identified an educational gap in the use of AP. A simple self-guided educational intervention is feasible and significantly improved participants knowledge of AP, enhancing awareness of its utility and interpretation of pupillometry values. RNs might require a comprehensive education on the pupilometer as they serve as the primary bedside caregivers. We await further data to investigate whether this intervention has increased the use of AP in the NeuroICU. Targeted educational interventions can enhance healthcare professionals' knowledge of AP in the NeuroICU, facilitating greater use and earlier detection of neurologic changes, which can directly impact treatment and outcomes.