AB0849 ONLINE EDUCATION YIELDS SIGNIFICANT GAINS IN RHEUMATOLOGISTS’ KNOWLEDGE OF PSORIATIC DISEASE
Authors: A. Stan, M. Calle, P. Schoonheim, A. B. Gottlieb
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2021)

Background: Physicians face challenges staying up-to-date with the latest research and accessing the ever-growing field of knowledge is time-consuming. Online education can make these clinician’s tasks more efficient and less time-consuming. Objectives: As part of a larger curriculum, we developed an online CME activity titled: “Optimizing Treatment in Patients With Moderate to Severe Psoriasis”. The goal of this study was to assess whether this online CME accredited video discussion improves physicians’ understanding of the prevalence and impact of the various manifestations of psoriatic disease, and how these might impact the choice of treatment in patients with psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis. Methods: Rheumatologists participated in an online CME activity ( https://www.medscape.org/viewarticle/931595 ) consisting of a 30-minute video discussion between 2 experts with synchronized slides. Educational effect was assessed using a 4-question repeated pairs, pre-/post-assessment. A chi-square test determined if a statistically significant improvement ( P &lt;.05 significance level) existed in the number of correct responses from the pretest and posttest scores. Cramer’s V was used to estimate the level of impact of the education (Modest [.0]; Extensive [&gt;.26]). The CME activity launched on Jul 6, 2020, and the data were collected through Aug 31, 2020. Results: A total of 54 rheumatologists completed the pre- and post activity assessments during the study period. Overall the activity had a signficiant impact ( P =.0002) on rheumatologists’ knowledge and competence related to optimisation of treatment in psoriatic disease, with a Cramer’s V value of 0.210 indicating a considerable educational impact. The average percentage of correct responses rose from 67% pre-activity to 85% post-activity. A repeated pairs analysis showed that 21% of rheumatologists improved their knowledge and 64% reinforced their knowledge, respectively. The changes in percentage of correct responses from pre- to post-assessment for all questions are shown in Table 1. More than 60% of rheumatologists had a measurable improvement in confidence in their ability to identify patients with psoriatic disease who are candidates for first-line therapy with biologics. Table 1. Impact of education on rheumatologists’ knowledge of psoriatic disease Question # Question topic Aggregated data Linked Learner Results a Average % of correct responses Pre- vs. Post-education P-value % Improved b learners Pre- vs. Post-education % Reinforced c learners Pre- vs. Post-education 1. Prevalence of the various manifestations of psoriatic disease 46% vs 80% .0002 35% 44% 2. Clinical data with biologic therapies in psoriatic disease 69% vs 78% NS 17% 61% 3. Competence related to identification of patients who may benefit from biologic therapy 87% vs 98% .027 11% 87% a Each individual learner tracked pre and post-education b Incorrect answer pre-education, Correct answer post-education c Correct answer pre-education, Correct answer post-education Conclusion: This online CME activity significantly improved rheumatologists’ knowledge and competence related to the optimization of treatment in psoriatic disease. However, there is room for further improving physicians’ knowledge of clinical trial outcomes with biologics in patients with PsA, since 22% of rheumatologists provided incorrect answers to question 3 post-education. This topic can be addressed in future educational programs. Disclosure of Interests: None declared