Abstract: PO1377
Curriculum-Based Online Education Effectively Improves Nephrologists' Ability to Manage Hyperkalemia in Practice
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
- Blatherwick, Donald, Medscape LLC, New York, New York, United States
- Boutsalis, George, Medscape LLC, New York, New York, United States
Background
The goal of continuing medical education (CME) is professional growth and improved patient care. 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 online CME curriculum consisted of 6 activities. Of these, 5 were video-based and used repeated pairs pre-/post-assessment study design and McNemar’s test (P <.05 is considered significant) to assess educational effect. The last activity was a medical patient simulation that utilized tailored clinical guidance (CG), based on current evidence and expert recommendation, 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. The activities launched in 2019 and data were collected for up to 12 weeks.
Results
The education reached over 14,000 physicians, including over 3,200 nephrologists.
Overall, knowledge improved by 29%, competence by 14% and performance by 150% (all relative improvements, P<.001) by nephrologists.
Specific improvements:
22% relative increase in knowledge related to rationale for optimizing RAAS inhibitors in patients with chronic hyperkalemia (P<.001)
15% relative increase in competence related to effective use of pharmacotherapy for hyperkalemia (P<.001)
441% and 231% relative increases in performance (2 patient simulation cases) related to effective use of pharmacotherapy for hyperkalemia (P<.001)
Of the nephrologists who were included, 36% reported increased confidence in managing hyperkalemia, with the largest confidence gains being related to effective use of potassium binders.
Conclusion
This curriculum demonstrates that by increasing knowledge and competence related to hyperkalemia management in a curriculum approach, large improvements in performance can be achieved (over 90% were effectively using pharmacotherapy post-CG).
Learners, on average, knew 70% of the information assessed and still require more education in optimizing RAAS inhibitors in patients with chronic hyperkalemia and use of diet to manage hyperkalemia. Among the learners, 36% gained confidence regarding hyperkalemia management in practice, but are still not fully confident. As such, further education is needed in these areas.
Funding
- Commercial Support –