Graduating US Neurology Residents' Experience With Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator for Acute Stroke: A 10-Year Comparison

A survey of graduating neurology residents conducted in 2000 showed that many residents had limited experience and comfort treating with tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA). We examined changes in residents' experience during the past decade. A 12-item survey was sent to US neurology residents in their final year of training. Items examined residents' experience and confidence with assessment of the acute stroke patient and use of tPA for treatment. Questions were worded identically in the 2000 and 2010 surveys, and responses were compared between the two. Of 491 residents, 286 (58%) responded. There was a significant increase from 2000 to 2010 in the percentage of residents who felt comfortable independently treating with tPA (73% versus 94%, P