AB0510 Improving knowledge of sle disease flares and treatment options among rheumatologists and primary care providers: effect of an online educational intervention
Authors: E. Jackson, D. Blatherwick, K. Badal
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2018)

<h3>Background</h3> With a significantly higher mortality in patients affected by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) developing chronic damage, prevention is a major goal in management.<sup>1</sup> Flares are a common feature throughout the course of SLE and can result in organ damage.<sup>2</sup> As a result, clinician knowledge on how to prevent, recognise, and treat flares is crucial. <h3>Objectives</h3> Determine whether an online educational intervention could effectively address a knowledge gap and an underlying educational need in the areas of SLE disease management among rheumatologists and primary care providers (PCPs). <h3>Methods</h3> An online educational intervention focusing on SLE disease management was made available online, intended for rheumatologists and PCPs who treat patients with SLE. The intervention consisted of a 30 min video presentation by a recognised expert in the treatment of SLE. Synchronised slides supported the presentation. The educational impact was assessed by comparing participants' responses to 3 repeated-pair, multiple-choice pre- and post-intervention questions. The impact on self-reported confidence was also assessed through a separate, 5-point Likert-scale question. Data were collected from 9/28/2017 through 11/29/2017. Statistical analysis included a paired 2-tailed t-test comparing mean pre-intervention and post-intervention scores, McNemar's χ2 statistic for measuring changes in responses to individual questions, and Cramer's <i>V</i> to determine the overall impact of the intervention. <h3>Results</h3> Analysis of pre- versus post-intervention responses demonstrated a significant (p&lt;0.05) improvement in overall knowledge in both rheumatologists (79% to 87%, n=118) and PCPs (61% to 73%, n=253). The overall impact of the intervention was similar in both groups (<i>V</i>=0.106 for rheumatologists and <i>V</i>=0.123 for PCPs). This intervention resulted in increased knowledge surrounding several specific areas of SLE, such as pathophysiology, relationship between disease activity and organ damage, and selection of SLE therapies (see table 1). <h3>Conclusions</h3> Participation in an online video educational intervention with synchronised slides was associated with significant overall improvement in knowledge levels of rheumatologists and PCPs in several important aspects of SLE management. Based on assessment of residual gaps, future directions for education should be tailored to specific learner groups including case-based reinforcement of knowledge and competence among rheumatologists, and additional foundational education for PCPs in the areas of pathophysiology and disease progression. <h3>References</h3> [1] Conti F, Ceccarelli F, Perricone C, et al. Lupus2016Jun;25(7):719–26. [2] Fernandez D, Kirou KA. Curr Rheumatol Rep. 2016Mar;18(3):14. <h3>Acknowledgements</h3> The educational intervention and outcomes measurement were funded through an independent educational grant from GlaxoSmithKline Global. <h3>Disclosure of Interest</h3> None declared