Evaluation of a train-the-trainer workshop on sickle cell disease for ED providers

Objective: (1) Determine the difference in pre-test and post-test knowledge scores for attendees of a train-the-trainer workshop and (2) determine the number of attendees who disseminated the content within 6 months of attending the workshop.

Methods: A 1-day, train-the-trainer workshop focusing on sickle cell disease (SCD) was developed. ED nurses and physicians from the emergency departments with the highest number of patients with SCD were invited to participate at no cost. A panel consisting of 6 SCD and ED experts planned the workshop and developed 20 items for pre-test and post-test knowledge evaluation. The pre-test and post-test were administered at the beginning and end of the workshop, respectively. All attendees received a flash drive with all conference materials and were asked to disseminate workshop content to other ED colleagues. After 6 months, a brief survey was sent to the participants using Survey Monkey asking the number and type of providers trained.

Results: Fifty-five participants attended the workshop. The mean (SD) pre-test score for the entire cohort was 13 (2) and the post-test score was 16 (2); mean difference (95% CI) 2.96 (2.36, 3.57). Items that scored low included questions dealing with pathophysiologic complications, addiction, or ED utilization. Eighteen participants completed the 6-month follow-up survey. Seven participants reported disseminating workshop content to a total of 99 providers.

Conclusion: A train-the-trainer workshop specifically designed for emergency physicians and nurses that discussed the broad spectrum of SCD was well attended, and 6 months later, 99 additional providers received training.