Abstract: PO1375
Online CME Effectively Improves Nephrologists' Knowledge, Competence, and Confidence Related to Hyperkalemia Management
Session Information
- Educational Research
October 22, 2020 | Location: On-Demand
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Educational Research
- 800 Educational Research
Authors
- Larkin, Amy, Medscape LLC, New York, New York, United States
- Anderson, David R., Medscape LLC, New York, New York, United States
- Boutsalis, George, Medscape LLC, New York, New York, United States
Background
To improve outcomes for patients, clinicians must be able to implement evolving standards of care and apply relevant data on hyperkalemia management. We sought to determine if a series of online continuing medical education (CME) activities could improve the clinical knowledge, competence, and confidence of nephrologists related to hyperkalemia management.
Methods
The curriculum consisted of 2 online, 30-minute activities related to new data and case-based application of data in common patient cases. The educational effects were assessed using a repeated pairs preassessment/postassessment study design. For all questions combined, the McNemar’s chi-squared test assessed differences pre to post. P values <.05 are statistically significant. Cramer's V was used to calculate the effect size (0.06-0.15 is a noticeable effect, 0.16-0.26 considerable, and >0.26 extensive). The activities launched in March and June 2019, and data were collected for 4 weeks for each activity.
Results
Improved knowledge and competence was demonstrated among nephrologists (N= 371):
17% increase in selecting a treatment strategy when a patient becomes euvolemic but still shows slightly elevated potassium levels (N=188; V=.191; P < .001)
24% increase in recognition of long-term data for newer potassium binders (N=183; V=.193; P < .001)
26% (N=183) had a measurable increase in confidence in using a potassium binder to treat a patient hyperkalemia
34% (N=188) had a measurable increase in confidence in applying team-based strategies to better manage patients with HF who present with hyperkalemia
Persistent knowledge/competence gaps remain:
56% of nephrologists (N=183) incorrectly identified incidence of hyperkalemia in patients with heart failure treated with renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors
49% of nephrologists (N=183) could not recognize long-term efficacy data for newer potassium binders
74% of nephrologists (N=188) made an incorrect clinical-decision in a patient who was euvolemic but had elevated potassium levels
Conclusion
This study demonstrates the success of an online curriculum with multiple educational components at improving knowledge, competence, and confidence of nephrologists related to hyperkalemia management. Persistent gaps were identified for future educational targets.
Funding
- Commercial Support –