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IMPACT OF A THREE-PART ONLINE EDUCATIONAL WEBINAR SERIES ON PSYCHIATRISTS’ KNOWLEDGE, COMPETENCE, AND CONFIDENCE IN DIAGNOSING AND MANAGING TARDIVE DYSKINESIA

Soumya Staton — Leslie Citrome2, Christoph U. Correll3, Denise Vanacore Chase4, Jovana Lubarda1, Kathy Merlo1, Austin Baiardi1 1Medscape Education, 2Clinical Professor, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences New York Medical College Valhalla, 3Zucker Hillside Hospital, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Charité Universitätsmedizin, 4Vice Dean and Professor, Nursing Holy Family University

2026 ASCP Annual Meeting

Background

Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a persistent condition that requires ongoing monitoring and thoughtful treatment adjustments. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a three-part continuing medical education (CME) webinar series in improving psychiatrists’ knowledge, competence, and confidence across the patient journey, from initial diagnosis to long-term management of TD.

Methods

The educational curriculum consisted of three 30-minute distinct online webinars, each webinar had a separate cohort of learners. The modules focused on early identification, evidence-based treatment strategies, and long-term management and monitoring. Effectiveness was assessed with a repeated-pairs pre-/post-assessment study design using 2 to 3 knowledge/competence questions and 1 confidence question, in which each individual served as their own control. A paired samples t-test assessed mean differences in the average number of correct responses from pre-to postassessment, and a McNemar’s test assessed significant improvement at the question level. P values < .05 were statistically significant. Data were collected between June and December 2025.

Results

Webinar 1 (Diagnosis and Early Identification): Among linked psychiatrists (n=574), 34% improved their overall knowledge and competence. Competence in differentiating TD from other drug-induced movement disorders improved from 33% pre-to 47% post-CME, a relative increase of 42% (P < .001). The ability to apply validated tools like the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) improved from 49% pre to 62% post-CME, a relative increase of 27% (P < .001). Mean confidence in applying these tools rose from 2.47 to 2.83 (P < .001). Webinar 2 (Evidence-Based Treatment): Among linked psychiatrists (n=442), knowledge regarding the evidence supporting FDA-approved treatments, including vesicular monoamine transporter type 2 (VMAT2) inhibitors improved from 54% pre-to 69%post-CME, a relative increase of 28% (P < .001). Mean confidence in utilizing evidence-based treatments increased from 2.35 to 2.7 (P < .001). Webinar 3 (Long-Term Management): Among linked psychiatrists (n=395), competence related to implementing strategies for long-term monitoring increased from 12% pre-to 22% post-CME, a relative increase of 83% (P < .001). Competence related to assessing the ongoing impact of TD on patient quality of life increased from 53% pre to 65% post-CME, a relative increase of 23% (P < .001). Mean confidence in implementing long-term monitoring increased from 2.39 to 2.73 (P < .001).

Conclusions

Participation in this targeted CME webinar series yielded statistically significant improvements in psychiatrists’ knowledge, competence, and confidence across the TD continuum. The data demonstrate measurable educational gains in specific clinical domains, including differentiating movement disorders, applying AIMS, recognizing FDA-approved treatments, and formulating long-term monitoring strategies.