Abstract: SA-PO0996
Online Continuing Medical Education Improves Primary Care Physicians' Recognition of the B-Cell Pathway and Emerging Agents for IgAN
Session Information
- Educational Research
October 24, 2026 | Location: Exhibit Hall A, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Educational Research
- 1000 Educational Research
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
Primary care physicians (PCPs) serve as the frontline for detecting renal abnormalities, yet significant gaps exist in their understanding of the B-cell pathway & emerging disease-modifying therapies in IgA nephropathy (IgAN). As targeted treatments become clinically available, enhancing PCP knowledge of these foundational areas is vital for ensuring timely specialist referral & collaborative management. This program evaluated the impact of Continuing Medical Eduucation (CME) intervention on PCP clinical readiness in IgAN.
Methods
The CME intervention consisted of a 30-minute online video roundtable featuring three faculty analyzing the evolving IgAN treatment landscape. Data were collected from September 2025 to January 2026. Knowledge gains and confidence shifts were measured via linked pre-/post-assessments among n=229 PCPs. Educational effect was determined using McNemar's test (P < .05) and Cohen's d.
Results
Knowledge Improvement: 42% of PCPs demonstrated significant knowledge improvement post-activity (P < .001), achieving a moderate-to-large effect size (Cohen's d = 0.65).
Learning Objective (LO) Gains: Significant increases were observed across all domains: APRIL pathophysiology (37% increase, P < .001), anti-APRIL agent effects (42% increase, P < .001), and evidence for emerging agents (33% increase, P < .001).
Confidence Gains: While 38% of PCPs reported increased confidence, only 19% reached a level of being "mostly" or "very" confident post-activity, suggesting that while knowledge improved, clinical comfort remains an area for growth.
Conclusion
Online CME effectively enhanced PCP understanding of the B-cell pathway & the emerging IgAN therapeutic paradigm. The finding that ~45% of PCPs reported >50% the content was new to them highlights a profound foundational need among clinicians responsible for the initial diagnosis & optimal management of suspected IgAN. While post-activity confidence levels remain modest, it reflects the role of the PCP as a primary screener & referrer rather than a primary prescriber for these specific agents. However, the significant knowledge gains underscore a strong investment in these developments. Future initiatives must prioritize bridging these foundational gaps to ensure that as targeted therapies become available, PCPs are equipped to accelerate the patient journey toward timely specialist care.
Acknowledgment
This education was supported by an independent educational grant from Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc.
Funding
- Commercial Support – Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc.