(474) Teaching Epistaxis Management to Emergency Medicine Residents: Online Learning Format

Introduction: Emergency medicine (EM) providers are often at the front line of epistaxis management; however, prior research has identified significant knowledge gaps. The purpose of this study was to understand what emergency medicine residents know about managing epistaxis and to determine if a brief video can sufficiently increase knowledge of this topic.

Methods: EM residents and medical students were recruited to participate. The survey study was posted on the EM research student doctor network page, otomatch.com and the EM match spreadsheet. Emails were sent out to EM residency program coordinators and program directors. The survey included 11 questions on nasal anatomy, initial management of epistaxis, and nasal packing. The survey was taken twice, once before and after a video made by an otolaryngology resident.

Results: 21 participants were included, with 7 second year EM residents (35%), 6 first year EM residents (30%), and 4 medical students (20%). The mean pre-test score was 7.1 +/- 2.1 and the mean post-test score was 9.5 +/- 1.6 questions correct out of 11 (p < .001). Only 25% (N=5) of participants correctly identified the vessels that comprise Kiesselbach's plexus before the video while 80% (N=16) did so after the video (p=.001). 55% (N=11) of participants correctly identified the proper technique for nasal packing before the video while 95% (N=19) correctly answered this question after the video (p=.008).

Conclusions: Knowledge deficits about epistaxis and its management are present in EM residents and medical students. The use of a video module significantly increased their understanding of epistaxis management and could be an effective means for otolaryngologists to reach EM trainees.