PSUN326 An Interim Analysis of Healthcare Professionals’ Gaps in Incretin Knowledge Before and After Education
Authors: Brechtelsbauer Erika L , Black Robin L , Wysham Carol Hatch 
Published: November 2022

Background

Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) who have poor glycemic control are at increased risk for macrovascular and microvascular disease. The growing body of cardiovascular (CV) and renal outcomes data for newer agents such as glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists has shifted management approaches toward therapies that provide extra glycemic benefits in addition to glucose-lowering ability. The rapidly evolving role of these new agents and new data on the potential role of a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) agonist/GLP-1 agonist combination agent may create confusion among healthcare professionals (HCPs) treating patients with T2D. Greater competence is needed on the actions and clinical applications of current and emerging incretin-based therapies. Therefore, Clinical Care Options (CCO) created a series of online-based microlearning modules on the topic of incretin therapy in patients with T2D and cardiometabolic comorbidities for HCPs. This ongoing program, which was supported by an unrestricted medical education grant, is providing us with rich outcomes data that characterizes HCPs’ learning and current knowledge gaps regarding the use of incretins in patients with T2D.

Aim

The goal of this analysis was to determine the interim educational impact as well as remaining knowledge gaps among HCPs following education on incretin therapies. This information could inform future medical education that closes knowledge gaps and arms HCPs with the tools to effectively manage patients with T2D.

Methods

CCO produced an online educational program on incretin therapies, released in August 2021.

We used pre/post questions to mine data on HCPs’ gaps.

Questions measuring HCPs’ knowledge and competence were asked at baseline ("pre") and then repeated after the education was delivered ("post").

To uncover key educational gaps, we identified questions with the lowest correct responses at baseline as well as persistence of incorrect responses post education.

Interim Results

HCP Demographics

N = 9837; MD: 61%; RPh: 10%; NP/PA: 12%; RN: 5%; other HCP: 5%, non-HCP: 8%

Baseline and Remaining Gaps

Incretin-based questions with topics including GLP-1 effects on glucose homeostasis, metabolic effects of GIP/GLP-1 coagonists, and the A1C-lowering ability of tirzepatide all scored &lt;50% at baseline. Following education, the GLP-1 effect on glucose homeostasis increased only slightly from 36% to 40%, and the metabolic effects of GIP/GLP-1 coagonists increased from 19% to 54%, indicating that HCPs still struggle with understanding the effects of these agents.

Conclusions

This analysis demonstrates that HCPs who care for patients with T2D have significant knowledge gaps in the effects of newer incretin agents. As guidelines are placing more emphasis on the use of newer incretin agents as first-line therapy, HCPs must have the knowledge and competence of their actions to initiate incretin therapy in the primary care setting. Comparison to a similar program with an alternative format may provide further insight.

Presentation: Sunday, June 12, 2022 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.