A web‐based survey about pediatric stroke: Knowledge of pediatricians in Turkey.

Background: Pediatric stroke requires a high level of awareness and knowledge among pediatricians to minimize mortality and morbidity. In this survey, we aimed to assess the knowledge of Turkish pediatricians about pediatric stroke. Methods: Pediatricians and pediatric residents were invited via social networking platforms to an online survey with multiple choices about definition, etiology, symptoms‐signs, neuroimaging, and treatment modalities of pediatric stroke. Results: Of 474 participants enrolled, the majority (n = 355, 70.6%) had ≥5 years of experience in pediatrics. While thirty‐five percent (n = 166) of the participants never assessed pediatric stroke patients, 74.5% (n = 353) were not familiar with a stroke scale. For items related to definition/etiology, symptoms/signs, neuroimaging modalities, and stroke scale, the median correct answer rates ranged from 45.1% to 58%. The lowest median rate of correct answers (23.6%) was for acute treatment strategies. Subgroup analysis revealed that pediatric neurologists and participants with ≥5 years of experience in a subspecialty had significantly higher correct answer rates in several items. Conclusions: Although correct answers were gathered in some areas, there is still abundant room for improvement. Stroke knowledge of pediatric neurologists seems to be better; however, this level of knowledge can be strengthened by well‐established consensus regarding diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]