Abstract: FR-PO0843
Online Continuing Medical Education Bridges the Therapeutic Gap: Enhancing Clinical Readiness for Emerging B-Cell-Modulating Therapies in IgAN Among Nephrologists and Primary Care Providers
Session Information
- Glomerular Diseases: Practice and New Concepts Shaping Modern Care
October 23, 2026 | Location: Exhibit Hall A, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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
The rapid emergence of B-cell modulating therapies requires both specialists & primary care providers (PCPs) to integrate complex new clinical evidence into practice to optimize patient outcomes. While nephrologists serve as clinical leaders, PCPs are vital for early identification & referral. This educational initiative aimed to close critical knowledge & competence gaps regarding emerging therapeutic pathways & disease progression mechanisms.
Methods
A multi-modal online Continuing Medical Education (CME) curriculum was launched in July 2024, utilizing expert roundtables, case studies, and learner assessments that focuses on foundational principles & emerging agents in IgAN, for specialists and non-specialists. Educational impact was measured via matched pre-/post-assessments with a data cutoff of Oct 2025. Statistical significance was determined using McNemar’s test (P < .05). Analysis included n=270 Nephrologists & up to n=544 PCPs.
Results
Post-instruction, significant gains occurred across 4 key domains compared to baseline:
1) Pathophysiology: PCPs improved from a 48% baseline by 30% (P < .001); Nephrologists achieved an 189% increase in understanding underlying mechanisms of disease (baseline 19%) (P < .001)
2) Clinical Presentation: PCPs improved from a 24% baseline by 96% (P < .001); Nephrologists maintained core competence, improving from an 83% baseline by 10% (P < .01)
3) Emerging Treatment Pathways: Nephrologists improved from a 43% baseline by 46% (P < .001); PCPs improved from a 36% baseline by 67%, regarding their understanding of novel B-cell targeted therapies (P < .001)
4) Clinical Trial Outcomes: Nephrologists gained 35% from a 22% baseline (P < .001); PCPs gained 37% from a 37% baseline (P < .001)
Conclusion
Online CME is essential for clinicians navigating the evolving IgAN landscape. Specialist gains align with their roles as clinical leaders. PCPs, though not primary prescribers, manage early-stage care and are heavily vested in these developments. This high engagement is reflected in the optimized care continuum where 83% of PCP learners referred patients to nephrologists, and 55% of those specialists participated in the same curriculum. Future education must continue to bridge these gaps by prioritizing evidence-based strategies that harmonize multidisciplinary care.
Acknowledgment
This education was supported by an independent educational grant from Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc.
Funding
- Commercial Support – Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc.