THU0584 CASE-BASED ONLINE EDUCATION SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASES CLINICIAN COMPETENCE IN ASSESSING SSC-ILD DISEASE PROGRESSION AND IMPLEMENTING APPROPRIATE THERAPY
Authors: C. Rohani-Montez, M. Calle, C. Allen, C. Denton
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2020)

Background: Due to the heterogeneity in both the initial manifestations of systemic sclerosis (SSc) and progression with SSc-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD), diagnosis and prognosis can be challenging in clinical practice. Clinicians need expert case-based guidance on how best to monitor patients with SSc and the treatment implications. Objectives: This study was conducted to determine whether online case-based independent medical education could improve rheumatologists’ and pulmonologists’ competence in evaluating and monitoring SSc-ILD progression and initiating the right treatments when progression is identified. Methods: Rheumatologists and pulmonologists participated in two comprehensive online case studies, using a ‘test then teach’ approach and completed all pre- and post-questions. 1 The effects of the education on knowledge and competence were assessed using a 3-question, repeated pairs, pre-assessment/post-assessment study design. For all questions combined, the chi-square test assessed differences from pre- to post-assessment. P values &lt;.05 are statistically significant. The activity launched on September 24, 2019, and data were collected through December 9, 2019. Results: Overall significant improvements were seen after participation for both rheumatologists (average correct response rate of 65% at pre-assessment vs 97% at post-assessment; P&lt;.001, N=89), and pulmonologists (average correct response rate of 64% at pre-assessment vs 95% at post-assessment; P&lt;.001, N=71). Specifically, significant improvements were observed in clinicians’ competence in assessing response to therapy and monitoring for disease progression; and managing evidence of disease worsening (figure). Figure. After participating in the activity, 54% of rheumatologists and 51% of pulmonologists had measurable improved confidence related to communicating with patients with SSc-ILD about the possibility of disease progression. Given that only around half of clinicians provided correct responses at baseline, it will be important to continue to reinforce these learnings in ongoing education. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the success of online, case-based education in improving rheumatologists’ and pulmonologists’ competence in managing patients with SSc-ILD. This could lead to earlier changes in therapeutic approach for those with signs of progression and result in improved overall outcomes for these patients. References: [1]Denton C. When SSc-ILD Starts Progressing: Monitoring and Managing Those at Risk for Poor Prognosis. Launched: 9/24/2019. Data as of 12/9/2019. Available at www.medscape.org/viewarticle/918465 Disclosure of Interests: Christy Rohani-Montez: None declared, Marinella Calle: None declared, Chris Allen: None declared, Christopher Denton Grant/research support from: GlaxoSmithKline, CSL Behring, and Inventiva, Consultant of: Medscape, Roche-Genentech, Actelion, GlaxoSmithKline, Sanofi Aventis, Inventiva, CSL Behring, Boehringer Ingelheim, Corbus Pharmaceuticals, Acceleron, Curzion and Bayer