Abstract: PUB184
Online Continuing Medical Education Identifies Baseline Knowledge Gaps in IgAN Among Nephrologists and Primary Care Providers
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
Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is a complex autoimmune disease requiring a well-coordinated multidisciplinary care team. As the therapeutic landscape evolves with novel targeted agents, identifying current knowledge disparities among clinicians is critical for tailoring effective educational interventions. This Continuing Medical Education (CME) initiative evaluated baseline knowledge across core IgAN domains to identify specific educational needs for nephrologists and primary care providers (PCPs).
Methods
Baseline knowledge was assessed using a clinical practice assessment (CPA) launched in 2025. The evaluation utilized a matched design to measure the percentage of correct responses across key clinical themes. Analysis included a total of n=76 learners consisting of both nephrologists & PCPs. Data were collected between Aug 2025 - Oct 2025. Statistical focus was placed on identifying meaningful knowledge gaps to guide future curriculum development.
Results
Baseline assessment revealed significant knowledge variances between specialty & primary care audiences across numerous core domains in IgAN: Key domains included:
IgAN Pathophysiology: Specialist knowledge was moderate at 69%, compared to foundational gaps among PCPs at 48%.
IgAN Clinical Presentation: Nephrologists scored 67%, while PCP recognition of clinical signs was limited to 41%.
Investigational Therapies: A notable gap was observed in both groups, with nephrologists at 58% and PCPs at 35%.
Mechanism of Action: Both audiences demonstrated limited understanding of underlying treatment mechanisms, scoring 37% (nephrologists) and 28% (PCPs).
Clinical Trial Outcomes: This domain represented the most significant knowledge deficit for specialists at 22%, while PCPs scored 28%
Conclusion
CME remains imperative for all clinical specialties, particularly regarding emerging therapies, complex mechanisms of action, and interpreting latest clinical trial outcomes. While nephrologists lead in diagnosis, efforts must deepen their expertise in emerging treatment strategies. Conversely, PCPs require intensified focus on foundational IgAN pathophysiology, diagnostic criteria, and clinical presentation to expand the care network and ensure timely patient identification. Future initiatives should bridge these gaps to optimize the evidence-based integration of novel agents into the IgAN care continuum.
Acknowledgment
This education was supported by an independent educational grant from Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc.
Funding
- Commercial Support – Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc.