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Kidney Week

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Abstract: FR-PO066

Success of Virtual Patient Simulation at Improving Management of CKD-Associated Pruritus

Session Information

  • Educational Research
    November 03, 2023 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Pennsylvania Convention Center
    Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Category: Educational Research

  • 1000 Educational Research

Authors

  • Larkin, Amy, Medscape Education, New York, New York, United States
  • Blatherwick, Donald, Medscape Education, New York, New York, United States
Background

We sought to determine if online, virtual patient simulation (VPS)-based continuing medical education (CME) can improve performance of nephrologists and primary care physicians (PCPs) related to comprehensive management of chronic kidney disease sssociated pruritus (CKD-aP).

Methods

The intervention comprised two different patients presenting at a given time points in a VPS platform that allows learners to order lab tests, make diagnoses, and prescribe treatments similar to actual practice. Tailored clinical guidance (CG), based on current evidence, was provided after each decision, followed by the opportunity to modify the decision. Decisions were collected post-CG and compared with each user’s baseline (pre-CG) using a McNemar’s test to determine P values. The activity posted September 2022; initial data were collected through December 2022.

Results

281 nephrologists and 234 PCPs completed the activity (all decisions within at least 1 case) and were included.
Case 1:
13% increase of nephrologists (67% pre-CG vs 80% post-CG; P<.001) and 11% increase of PCPs (76% pre-CG vs 87% post-CG; P<.01) who ordered a patient health questionare-9 (PHQ-9) assessment
28% increase of nephrologists (56% pre-CG vs 84% post-CG; P<.001) and 29% increase of PCPs (45% pre-CG vs 74% post-CG; P<.01) who diagnosed CKD-aP
46% increase of nephrologists (6% pre-CG vs 52% post-CG; P<.001) and 45% increase of PCPs (0% pre-CG vs 45% post-CG; P<.001) who ordered difelikefalin for a patient with CKD-aP
37% increase of nephrologists (11% pre-CG vs 48% post-CG; P<.001) and 38% increase of PCPs (10% pre-CG vs 48% post-CG; P<.001) who ordered an antileptic agent for a patient with CKD-aP

Case 2:
24% increase of nephrologists (51% pre-CG vs 75% post-CG; P<.001) and 30% increase of PCPs (47% pre-CG vs 77% post-CG; P<.001) who diagnosed CKD-aP
38% increase of nephrologists (16% pre-CG vs 54% post-CG; P<.001) and 35% increase of PCPs (13% pre-CG vs 48% post-CG; P<.001) who treated CKD-aP.

Conclusion

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

Funding

  • Commercial Support – Developed through an independent educational grant from CSL Vifor