Knowledge, Confidence, and Behavioral Changes After an Alzheimer's Disease Continuing Education Program for Nurse Practitioners

Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (05/13/25) Scalzo, Patty; Clevenger, Carolyn; Cotter, Valerie

An Alzheimer's disease (AD) continuing education (CE) program geared toward nurse practitioners (NPs) sought to address any knowledge and practice gaps surrounding cognitive evaluation and diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Surveys conducted before and after the 1.5-contact hour course — which was developed by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners — measured changes in learner knowledge, competence, and confidence. Among the nearly 4,800 learners who completed the course and self-reported providing patient care, the pre-activity assessment identified knowledge and competence issues for the diagnosis, classification, and pharmacotherapeutic management of AD. Knowledge and competence in the post-activity survey increased substantially, and there was also improvement in learner confidence in learners' ability to perform essential clinical tasks related to AD management. In follow-up interviews with 12 NPs, the majority said the CE program reinforced their practices. Still, the researchers noted there continued to be some knowledge deficiencies, with ongoing challenges in optimal management. "Given the changing Alzheimer's landscape, ongoing educational interventions targeted to the NP workforce are needed to serve the growing population of adults at risk for AD," the study authors conclude.

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