Epilepsy Education: Recent Advances and Future Directions

Abstract

Purpose of review: The goal of this review is to survey the current literature on education in epilepsy and provide the most up-to-date information for physicians involved in the training of future doctors on this topic. We intended to review what opportunities exist to enhance our current teaching practices that may not be well-known or widely used, but may be adapted to a broader audience.

Recent findings: Many new techniques adopting principles of education (e.g., retrieval practice and spaced learning) or new technologies (e.g., pre-recorded lectures, computer-enhanced modules, and simulation practice) have been trialled to enhance medical education in epilepsy with some success. Many of these techniques are currently adaptable to a wider audience or may soon be available. The use of these opportunities more broadly may allow expansion of educational research opportunities as well as enhancing our ability to pass on information. As the knowledge base in epilepsy continues to dramatically expand, we need to keep evaluating our teaching techniques to ensure we are able to pass along this knowledge to our future providers.

Keywords: Epilepsy education; Graduate medical education; Technology in education.