POS1449 SEGMENTED SHORT-FORMAT ONLINE EDUCATION SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASES PREDICTION, PROGNOSIS, AND MANAGEMENT OF FIBROSING INTERSTITIAL LUNG DISEASE ASSOCIATED WITH CONNECTIVE TISSUE DISEASE
Authors: C. Rohani-Montez, M. Calle, C. Allen, T. Maher, V. Smith, J. Jacob, G. Riemekasten, M. Kolb
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2021)

Background: Identifying fibrosing interstitial lung disease (ILD) at the earliest opportunity remains one of the most urgent challenges for the effective management of this potentially rapidly progressive and burdensome condition, which is frequently associated with several connective tissue diseases (CTDs). However, knowledge on how to identify early hallmarks and predictors of fibrosing ILD, as well as knowing which steps to take next is frequently lacking in clinical practice. Objectives: This study was conducted to determine whether online independent medical education could improve rheumatologists’ and pulmonologists’ knowledge and competence in identifying and managing progressive fibrosing ILDs earlier in the disease course. Methods: Rheumatologists and pulmonologists participated in five ~10-min presentations about the early identification of fibrosing ILD in patients with or without CTDs 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 October 9, 2020, and data were collected through December 18, 2020. Results: Overall significant improvements were seen after participation for both rheumatologists (average correct response rate of 28% at pre-assessment vs 74% at post-assessment; P&lt;.001, representing a 165% relative percentage change [RPC]; N=39), and pulmonologists (average correct response rate of 39% at pre-assessment vs 67% at post-assessment; P&lt;.001, representing a 72% RPC; N=102). Specifically, significant improvements were observed in clinicians’ knowledge of predictors of fibrosing ILD in patients with CTD, as well as competence in selecting the right HRCT parameters to assess prognosis and select a treatment approach to reduce the risk of disease progression (Figure 1). Figure 1. After participating in the activity, 59% of rheumatologists and 50% of pulmonologists had measurable improved confidence related to identifying early disease progression in patients with progressive fibrosing ILDs. Given the very low rates of correct responses at baseline regarding predictors of fibrosing ILD and assessing prognosis, it will be important to continue to reinforce these learnings in ongoing educational programs. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the success of segmented online education in improving rheumatologists’ and pulmonologists’ knowledge and competence in evaluating risk and prognosis of fibrosing ILD and managing patients with CTD-ILDs. 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]Kolb M, Maher T, Smith V, Jacob J, Rimekasten G. Catching and Managing Progressive Fibrosing Interstitial Lung Disease Progression Earlier. Launched: Oct 9, 2020. Data as of Dec 18, 2020. Available at www.medscape.org/viewarticle/938826 Disclosure of Interests: Christy Rohani-Montez: None declared, Marinella Calle: None declared, Chris Allen: None declared, Toby Maher Speakers bureau: Astra Zeneca, Bayer, Blade Therapeutics, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Galapagos, Galecto, GlaxoSmithKline R&amp;D, Indalo, IQVIA, Pliant, Respivant, Roche and Theravance, Consultant of: Astra Zeneca, Bayer, Blade Therapeutics, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Galapagos, Galecto, GlaxoSmithKline R&amp;D, Indalo, IQVIA, Pliant, Respivant, Roche and Theravance, Grant/research support from: Astra Zeneca and GlaxoSmithKline R&amp;D, Vanessa Smith Speakers bureau: Boehringer-Ingelheim Pharma GmbH&amp;Co and Janssen-Cilag NV, Consultant of: Boehringer-Ingelheim Pharma GmbH&amp;Co, Grant/research support from: Research Foundation - Flanders (FWO), Belgian Fund for Scientific Research in Rheumatic diseases (FWRO), Boehringer-Ingelheim, Pharma GmbH&amp;Co, and Janssen-Cilag NV, Joseph Jacob Speakers bureau: Boehringer-Ingelheim; Roche, Consultant of: Boehringer-Ingelheim, Grant/research support from: GlaxoSmithKline, Gabriela Riemekasten Speakers bureau: AbbVie; Actelion; Boehringer-Ingelheim, Consultant of: Actelion; CellTrend; Janssen, Grant/research support from: AbbVie; Actelion, Martin Kolb Speakers bureau: AstraZeneca; Boehringer-Ingelheim; Novartis; Roche, Consultant of: AbbVie Inc.; Algernon Pharma; AstraZeneca;, Boehringer-Ingelheim; Cipla; Covance; EPG Health; Galapagos NV; Gilead; GlaxoSmithKline; Indalo; MitoImmune Therapeutics Inc; Novartis; Pieris; Prometic (now Liminal Biosciences); Roche; Third Pole Inc.; TwoXAR Inc., Grant/research support from: Boehringer-Ingelheim; GlaxoSmithKline; Novartis; Prometic; Roche; Avalyn