Abstract: PUB182
Online Continuing Medical Education Improves Nephrologists' Understanding of the B-Cell Pathway and Emerging Agents in IgAN
Session Information
Category: Glomerular Diseases
- 1402 Glomerular Diseases: Clinical, Outcomes, and Therapeutics
Authors
- Nair, Arun, Medscape Education, Newark, New Jersey, United States
- Stange, Frederick, Medscape Education, Newark, New Jersey, United States
- Wilson, Meghan, Medscape Education, Newark, New Jersey, United States
Background
Rapidly evolving therapies targeting the B-cell pathway in IgA nephropathy (IgAN) necessitate specialist education on pathophysiology and clinical trial evidence to optimize treatment integration. This program evaluated the impact of education on nephrologist knowledge and confidence regarding recently approved and emerging therapies. Given the increasing complexity of the therapeutic landscape, addressing these educational gaps is essential for improving clinical readiness and patient outcomes.
Methods
The intervention comprised a 30-minute online video roundtable featuring 3 faculty analyzing recent clinical data and its impact on the treatment landscape. The activity launched on September 2025, with data collected through January 2026. Impact was assessed using a matched pre-/post-assessment design. Statistical significance was determined using McNemar’s test (P < .05) and Cohen’s d for effect size. Analysis included n=76 nephrologists.
Results
Overall Knowledge Gain: 51% of nephrologists improved their knowledge (P < .001) with a large effect size (Cohen’s d = 0.83).
Knowledge Shift: The average percentage of correct responses increased from 50% at pre-assessment to 67% at post-assessment, representing a 34% relative increase.
Learning Objective (LO) Performance: Significant relative increases in knowledge were achieved across all domains: APRIL pathophysiology (48% increase, P < .001), disease-modifying effects of anti-APRIL agents (48% increase, P < .001), and evidence for emerging B-cell targeted therapies (22% increase, P < .01).
Confidence: 33% of learners reported increased confidence, resulting in 66% of nephrologists feeling mostly or very confident in their understanding of B-cell targeted therapies post-activity.
Conclusion
This roundtable intervention significantly improved nephrologist understanding of the B-cell pathway & develoopments regarding emerging IgAN therapies. Enhanced knowledge of pathophysiology & clinical evidence supports improved clinical decision-making & readiness for therapeutic integration. Future initiatives should focus on helping specialists understand best practices & evidence-based recommendations to integrate these therapies into practice now that there are targeted B-cell therapies available for patients living with IgAN.
Acknowledgment
This education was supported by an independent educational grant from Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc.
Funding
- Commercial Support – Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc.