Abstract

This mixed qualitative and quantitative study measured immediate recall and long-term retention of knowledge about Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) and use of information in practice by health and education professionals. Methods: As per standard continuing education (CE) procedures, participants completed a pre-test (T1; n = 120), an identical immediate post-test (T2; n = 120), and an identical three-week on-line follow-up test (T3; n = 37). Paired samples t-test for T1 to T2 scores and repeated measures ANOVA for T1 to T2 to T3 scores were used for analysis with significance set at .05. For qualitative analysis, the most/least beneficial aspects of the seminar were coded for themes, as were comments regarding application of information to practice. Results: Increase in knowledge from T1 to T2 was statistically significant (p < 0.001) as was T1 to T3 (p < 0.001), though significant decline from T2 to T3 (p < 0.001) was seen. Qualitative themes revealed that participants found information about strategies in working with children with PANS to be most beneficial and found detailed information about immunology to be least beneficial. On follow-up, participants reported they shared information with colleagues and used information when evaluating children. Conclusion: The CE seminar was effective in improving professionals’ immediate awareness and knowledge of PANS. Significant retention occurred after three weeks, but this was significantly lower than immediate post-seminar recall.