Objective: To describe the impact of the Ixcellence® Network training program on physicians using botulinum neurotoxin-A (BoNT-A) in cervical dystonia (CD) and spastic paresis (SP).

Background: BoNT-A is a well-established treatment for CD and SP. However, proper administration requires specific training. The Ixcellence® Network is a high-level international educational program developed for physicians using BoNT-A to improve management of patients with CD and SP.

Methods: The network was designed by a Steering Committee composed of 6 experts in the management of CD and SP, who chose the centres and trainers, and validated the contents of the program. Nine training courses were designed in order to encourage innovative methods and approaches to patients’ management, including diagnosis, tailored treatment and rehabilitation. The program quality and impact were assessed with a first questionnaire given to attendees at the end of each course (T0) and a second one sent by email six months later (T6).

Results: Between September 2012 and December 2017, 728 physicians participated in training programs with 48%, 23% and 29% of attendees participating in training sessions dedicated to adult spastic paresis, child spastic paresis and cervical dystonia, respectively. Of the 615 physicians who answered the T0 questionnaire, 77% reported an excellent general level of satisfaction, 93% stated that they were provided with new information and 95% reported that the training achieved their personal objectives. Regarding the long-term impact of the program, of the 211 physicians who provided feedback 6-months after attendance, 92% confirmed that the training had changed their daily practice and helped improve their self-confidence. Of the 105 respondents who attended courses between January 2015 and December 2016, 83% reported having shared some of the information learned during the training with their colleagues (45% through daily practice, 24% by sharing documents, 8% by organizing a meeting, 6% by another way).

Conclusions: Launched 5 years ago, the Ixcellence® Network program has trained more than 700 physicians who were able to further develop their specialised skills, and were provided with the expertise to train their peers at a local level.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/5-years-experience-of-ixcellence-network-an-international-innovative-educational-program-to-improve-cervical-dystonia-and-spastic-paresis-management-practices/