Moving the Needle, Mapping the Gaps: Insights From a Longitudinal, Multi-Format CME Curriculum on GLP-1RAs in Psoriasis Care
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Introduction: A growing body of evidence has linked the anti-inflammatory effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) to improved psoriasis outcomes and metabolic benefits, underscoring the need for targeted dermatology education on the integration of these emerging therapies into comprehensive, patient-centered psoriasis care. To meet this educational need, CMEsquared® developed a multi-format, year-long curriculum encompassing live and digital educational initiatives. These initiatives were supported by independent medical educational grants from Lilly. Methods: Nine continuing medical education (CME) initiatives (4 live, 5 digital) were launched between May 2025 and May 2026. Live initiatives included 2 interactive, multidisciplinary panel-led workshops and 2 didactic symposia delivered at live dermatology conferences. The digital initiatives included a 3-part, interactive, Instagram livestream series and two microlearning (15 minute) activities that were endured on Dermsquared.org up to 12 months. Aggregate data on learner perspectives and knowledge/competence changes across paired pre-/post-test questions were evaluated. Results: As of August 2026, 5,113 learners participated in the 9 GLP-1RA/psoriasis educational initiatives (1,239 live; 3,874 digital), including physicians (51%) and advanced practice providers (47%), most of whom were practicing in private practice settings. Over half of the digital learners were early-career clinicians (practicing ≤10 years). Paired pre-/post-test assessments across six items demonstrated statistically significant knowledge and competence gains (p<0.01 to p<0.0001). The lowest baseline score was related to the rationale for combining interleukin (IL)-17 biologics with GLP-1RAs, revealing this as a key knowledge gap. As a result of the education, 84% of learners reported an intent to change practice. Access challenges (58%) emerged as the top clinician-reported practice barrier, followed by lack of time to counsel patients (14%). Qualitative thematic analysis of learner questions, performed using Claude AI (Anthropic, Sonnet 5), revealed insights into future educational needs/interests. Prominent themes included side effect management, nuances of combining GLP-1RA and biologics, approaches to non-stigmatizing patient counseling, and defining the role of the dermatology specialist in GLP-1RA application. Conclusion: This longitudinal, multi-format curriculum effectively narrowed gaps regarding the use of GLP-1RAs in psoriasis care. The diverse educational formats catered to a broad spectrum of learning styles and offered key insights into educational needs and interests that will inform future initiatives, thereby improving care for patients with psoriasis.
DOI: 10.25251/frvdzq40
Language: English
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7225730306