Online Case-Based Education Significantly Improves Competence in Implementing Prostacyclin Pathway Therapy for PAH
Year: 2021
Type: conference-abstract
Abstract: RATIONALE Determining when to implement oral prostacyclin pathway therapies for PAH and subsequent patient follow-up can be challenging in clinical practice. This study was conducted to determine whether online case-based independent medical education could improve cardiologists' and pulmonologists' competence related to making treatment decisions based on risk assessment, and appropriate use of oral prostacyclin therapy with the goal of achieving a low-risk status. METHODS Physicians participated in a 15-minute, video-based, online CME case study activity simulating patient-clinician interactions, communication, and clinical decision-making. 1 The effects of the education 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 <.05 are statistically significant. The activity launched on June 24, 2020, and data were collected through September 25, 2020. RESULTS Overall significant improvements were seen after participation for both cardiologists (average correct response rate of 34% at pre-assessment vs 77% at post-assessment; P<.001, N=71), and pulmonologists (average correct response rate of 37% at pre-assessment vs 84% at post-assessment; P<.001, N=93). Specifically, significant improvements were observed regarding clinicians' competence in adding on therapies for a patient with PAH and reassessing once the dose was maximized (figure). After participating in the activity, 37% of cardiologists and 34% of pulmonologists had measurable improved confidence related to their knowledge of triple oral therapy to slow the progression of PAH. Given the low baseline competence in adding on therapies to achieve a triple combination of an ERA, PDE5i, and prostacyclin pathway therapy, ongoing education will be needed. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates the success of online, video-based case study education in improving the competence of cardiologists and pulmonologists in when and how to implement triple therapy for PAH. This could lead to more optimal intervention and improved outcomes for these patients. Reference: 1. Gaine S.
Authors: S.C. Rohani-Montez, J. Spyropoulos, G. Boutsalis, C. Phillips, K. Hanley, S.P. Gaine
Institutions: Medscape, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital
Language: English
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4232847014