SAT0686 ONLINE EDUCATION IMPROVES PHYSICIANS’ KNOWLEDGE OF FAMILY PLANNING AND PREGNANCY MANAGEMENT IN WOMEN WITH CHRONIC INFLAMMATORY RHEUMATIC DISEASES
Authors: Elaine Bell, Robert Mccarthy, Rebecca Fischer-Betz
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2019)

<h3>Background:</h3> Chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease (CIRDs) often develop in women during their childbearing years. Preconception counselling and coordinated medical and obstetric care are essential to maintain control of the disease and maximize the chances of a successful pregnancy. <h3>Objectives:</h3> This study assessed whether online CME can improve physicians' understanding of the risks of uncontrolled chronic rheumatic diseases in pregnancy and the benefits of proactive pregnancy planning, and enhance physician confidence in managing such patients. <h3>Methods:</h3> Physicians participated in an online CME activity consisting of a 15-minute video discussion between 2 experts with accompanying slides. Educational effect was assessed using a 4-question repeated pairs, pre-/post-assessment. A Chi-square Test of Independence was used to determine if a statistically significant improvement (5% significance level, <i>P</i> &lt;.05) existed in the number of correct responses between the pretest and posttest scores. Cramer's V was used to estimate the effect of the education. The CME accredited activity launched on August 2 2018, and data were collected through August 30 2018. <h3>Results:</h3> Rheumatologists (n=47) had a high baseline knowledge of family planning and pregnancy management in women with CIRDs, but the activity had a signficiant impact (P =.0008) on rheumatologists' knowledge and the Cramer's V value of 0.199 indicates a considerable effect of the education The average percentage of correct responses for rheumatologists was 91% post–activity compared with 76% pre–activity 64% more rheumatologists answered all 3 questions correctly post–activity compared with pre–activity (74% vs. 45%) 26% of rheumatologists gained confidence in their ability to manage CIRDs in pregnant patients, with an average confidence shift of 9% Obstetricians/gynaecologists (n=40) also had a fairly high baseline knowledge of family planning and pregnancy management in women with CIRDs, but again, the activity had a significant impact (P =.0005) on their knowledge and the Cramer's V value of 0.226 indicates a considerable effect of the education The average percentage of correct responses for obstetricians/gynaecologists was 83% post–activity compared with 63% pre–activity 97% more obstetricians/gynaecologists answered all 3 questions correctly post–activity compared with pre–activity (65% vs. 33%) Almost half (45%) of obstetricians/gynaecologists gained substantial confidence in their ability to manage CIRDs in pregnant patients, with an average confidence shift of 22% <h3>Conclusion:</h3> This online, 15-minute video discussion between 2 experts significantly improved rheumatologists' and obstetricians/gynaecologists' understanding of family planning and pregnancy management in women with CIRDs which may lead to improved outcomes for both women and babies. Both groups would benefit from further education to reinforce knowledge of disease activity on conception and pregnancy and to emphasize the need for collaborative proactive family planning in women with CIRDs. <h3>Disclosure of Interests:</h3> Elaine Bell: None declared, Robert McCarthy: None declared, Rebecca Fischer-Betz Grant/research support from: GlaxoSmithKline and UCB Pharma for performing the LuLa-study.