Kidney Week

Abstract: PO0990

Virtual Patient Simulation in Diabetic Kidney Disease: Successful Strategy for Improving Recognition and Management

Session Information

• Diabetic Kidney Disease: Clinical - 1
  October 22, 2020 | Location: On-Demand
  Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Category: Diabetic Kidney Disease

• 602 Diabetic Kidney Disease: Clinical

Author

• Larkin, Amy, Medscape LLC, New York, New York, United States

Amy Larkin,

Background

We sought to determine if virtual patient simulation (VPS)-based continuing medical education (CME) intervention could improve performance of nephrologists related to recognition and management of diabetes kidney disease (DKD).

Methods

The intervention comprised a patient presenting at two different time points in a VPS platform that allows learners to order lab tests, make diagnoses, and prescribe treatments in a manner matching the scope and depth of actual practice. Tailored clinical guidance (CG), based on current evidence and expert recommendation, was provided following each decision, followed by the opportunity for the learner to modify to their decisions. Decisions were collected post-CG and compared with each user’s baseline (pre-CG) decisions using a McNemar’s test to determine P values. The activity posted August 30, 2019; initial data was collected through November 7, 2019.

Results

139 nephrologists completed the activity (all decisions within at least 1 case) and were included. Significant improvements were observed after CG:
1^st Patient:
Diagnose CKD stage 3b: 28% absolute improvement (19% pre-CG vs 47% post-CG; P<.01)
Diagnose T2D: 33% absolute improvement (5% pre-CG vs 38% post-CG; P<.01)
Initiate SGLT2 inhibitor: 53% improvement (17% pre-CG vs 70% post-CG; P<.01)
Order patient education: 15% improvement (52% pre-CG vs 67% post-CG; P<.01)

2^nd Patient:
Diagnose CKD stage 3a: 33% absolute improvement (24% pre-CG vs 57% post-CG; P<.01)
Diagnose T2D: 41% absolute improvement (10% pre-CG vs 51% post-CG; P<.01)
Initiate SGLT2 inhibitor: 36% improvement (48% pre-CG vs 84% post-CG; P<.01)
Initiate ACE inhibitor: 18% improvement (82% pre-CG vs 100% post-CG; P<.01)
Order patient education: 14% improvement (59% pre-CG vs 73% post-CG; P<.01)

Conclusion

VPS that immerses and engages specialists in an authentic and practical learning experience can improve evidence-based clinical decisions related to patient identification and management of hyperkalemia.

Funding

• Commercial Support –