Introduction
TIA patients access care through their local emergency department (ED) or primary care physician when experiencing stroke symptoms. Provincial and local data revealed there was an opportunity to increase knowledge and awareness of the Canadian Stroke Best Practices for the diagnosis and treatment of TIA among physicians across the province.
Methods
Two TIA algorithms, one for ED and one for primary care, were developed based on the Canadian Stroke Best Practices covering the areas of diagnosis, risk assessment, tests/evaluation, and medications. The algorithms were reviewed by a wide range of stroke team members and physicians across the province. To support the implementation and use of the algorithms, an accredited Continuing Medical Education (CME) program was developed. The learning objectives were: increase knowledge in diagnosing TIA and the investigations required, improve comprehension of TIA risk categorization, and apply learning through case studies. Evaluations were completed at the end of each session.
Results
A total of 880 algorithms were disseminated (46 ED; 834 Primary Care) throughout Nova Scotia. Eleven CME sessions were held province-wide with a total of 140 healthcare providers attending. Session evaluations were completed by 107 attendees: 96% agreed the session met the stated objectives, 92% reported the session enhanced their knowledge, and 82% indicated they planned to use the TIA algorithm in their practice.
Conclusion
Algorithms and an accredited CME program developed to meet specific knowledge gaps are effective methods to educate and support physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of TIA patients.

USING ALGORITHMS AND ACCREDITED EDUCATION SESSIONS TO ADDRESS PHYSICIAN KNOWLEDGE GAPS REGARDING TRANSIENT ISCHEMIC ATTACK (TIA) DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT IN NOVA SCOTIA