Work

Implementation and Assessment of a Lipoprotein(a) Curriculum for Internal Medicine Residents: A Longitudinal Study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is an independent risk factor for the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and is recognized in guidelines as a risk-enhancing factor favoring the more aggressive management of lipids. However, the clinical utilization of Lp(a) testing has been low, especially among internal medicine providers. Methods: We designed a 30-minute presentation for internal medicine residents that included a general overview of ASCVD risk assessment, differences between Lp(a) and regular low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and examples of how elevated Lp(a) can change clinical management. Resident confidence in ordering and interpreting Lp(a) was assessed by pre- and post-surveys. Data on Lp(a) ordering practices were abstracted from the electronic medical record for the three months prior to and after the presentation. Results: The presentation was administered to 22 interns in the fall of the 2024-2025 academic year and was associated with an increase in participant confidence, with mean survey scores increasing from 10 to 24 out of a maximum score of 25 (p<0.001). Lp(a) tests ordered by participants increased from seven (15% of all residents' Lp(a) orders) in the three months prior to 28 (44% of all residents' Lp(a) orders) in the subsequent three months (p=0.008). Discussion: Lp(a) testing is an underutilized adjunct to ASCVD risk stratification. We developed a brief presentation that was associated with increased confidence regarding the topic of Lp(a) testing as well as changes in practice, as evidenced by increased Lp(a) orders. These encouraging single-center results can help inform future educational efforts on the topic of ASCVD prevention. CONCLUSION: An Lp(a) curriculum for internal medicine residents showed promise in addressing the lack of awareness of Lp(a) testing. Further research is needed to assess the generalizability and retention of this curriculum.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.83859

Authors: Yehuda Eidensohn, Paul O'Rourke

Institutions: Johns Hopkins University, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Language: English

Topic: Innovations in Medical Education

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4410256294