Knowledge regarding status epilepticus among medical-surgical specialties residents in Colombia

Conocimiento de los residentes de especialidades médico-quirúrgicas en Colombia acerca del estado epiléptico

Introduction:  status epilepticus is a medical emergency associated with serious social and economic implications. When not managed appropriately it may lead to death. It should be addressed promptly by the first specialist who has contact with the patient. There are no studies investigating adherence to clinical practice guidelines in Colombia. Objective: to evaluate the knowledge regarding status epilepticus among medical-surgical specialties residents in Colombia. Methods: a descriptive cross-sectional study. A survey was applied by means of a google form developed based on the routine status epilepticus clinical practice guidelines. Results: 76 neurology, internal medicine, emergency medicine and critical care residents responded to the survey. The most common age was 26 to 31 years, with a male to female ratio of 46/54%. Discussion: the questions about operational definitions and times of action were answered in a more consistent manner. There is an important limitation in the selection and use of antiseizure medications in the context of status epilepticus, so it is important to strengthen medical education in these academic aspects.

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