Contributions
Abstract: EP1804
Type: ePoster
Abstract Category: Therapy - disease modifying - 32 Others
Introduction: Clinicians who care for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) are in need of education that shows the clinical implementation of best practices for optimizing the personalization of treatment using available pharmacologic options. The goal of this study was to measure the effectiveness of an interactive, continuing medical education (CME)-certified, online, case-based video vignette with integrated expert perspectives to improve the knowledge of neurologists regarding clinical factors that impact treatment selection in MS.
Methods: The activity consisted of a single patient-physician video vignette that included 4 interactivity questions and expert faculty guidance on the elements of the case. The study design compared each participant´s responses to questions posed before exposure to educational content (pre-assessment measurement) with the same participants´ responses to the same questions after exposure to the educational content (post-assessment measurement). McNemar's chi-square test assessed differences from pre- to post-assessment. Cramer's V determined the effect size. The activity launched online on December 14, 2016, and data were collected through March 5, 2017.
Results: Comparison of answers before and after exposure to the educational activity demonstrated significant improvements in evidence-based decision making, with a medium educational effect size (n=77; V=0.24; P< .001). As a result of participation, significant overall improvements were observed in several specific areas, including knowledge of the John Cunningham (JC)-virus index value that corresponds to the 2-year risk of PML in patients receiving natalizumab (174% relative improvement;
P < .05), identification of the safest disease modifying therapy (DMT) for pregnancy based on the ability to cross the placenta (17% relative improvement; P < .05), and the appropriate use of high-dose steroids to treat an acute relapse during pregnancy (35% relative improvement; P < .05). Participation in the activity resulted in a 22% improvement in confidence among neurologists in identifying when to switch DMTs in a patient with MS.
Conclusion: The CME intervention was successful in improving participating neurologists' knowledge and confidence in their ability to make evidence based, personalized treatment decisions for patients with MS. Subsequent education should address the practical application of the JC virus index.
Disclosure:
Thomas F Finnegan: Nothing to disclose
Gena Dolson: Nothing to disclose
Stephen Krieger served as an advisor or consultant for: Acorda Therapeutics; Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals; Biogen; Genentech, Inc.; Genzyme Corporation; Mallinckrodt; Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation; Teva Neuroscience, Inc.
Abstract: EP1804
Type: ePoster
Abstract Category: Therapy - disease modifying - 32 Others
Introduction: Clinicians who care for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) are in need of education that shows the clinical implementation of best practices for optimizing the personalization of treatment using available pharmacologic options. The goal of this study was to measure the effectiveness of an interactive, continuing medical education (CME)-certified, online, case-based video vignette with integrated expert perspectives to improve the knowledge of neurologists regarding clinical factors that impact treatment selection in MS.
Methods: The activity consisted of a single patient-physician video vignette that included 4 interactivity questions and expert faculty guidance on the elements of the case. The study design compared each participant´s responses to questions posed before exposure to educational content (pre-assessment measurement) with the same participants´ responses to the same questions after exposure to the educational content (post-assessment measurement). McNemar's chi-square test assessed differences from pre- to post-assessment. Cramer's V determined the effect size. The activity launched online on December 14, 2016, and data were collected through March 5, 2017.
Results: Comparison of answers before and after exposure to the educational activity demonstrated significant improvements in evidence-based decision making, with a medium educational effect size (n=77; V=0.24; P< .001). As a result of participation, significant overall improvements were observed in several specific areas, including knowledge of the John Cunningham (JC)-virus index value that corresponds to the 2-year risk of PML in patients receiving natalizumab (174% relative improvement;
P < .05), identification of the safest disease modifying therapy (DMT) for pregnancy based on the ability to cross the placenta (17% relative improvement; P < .05), and the appropriate use of high-dose steroids to treat an acute relapse during pregnancy (35% relative improvement; P < .05). Participation in the activity resulted in a 22% improvement in confidence among neurologists in identifying when to switch DMTs in a patient with MS.
Conclusion: The CME intervention was successful in improving participating neurologists' knowledge and confidence in their ability to make evidence based, personalized treatment decisions for patients with MS. Subsequent education should address the practical application of the JC virus index.
Disclosure:
Thomas F Finnegan: Nothing to disclose
Gena Dolson: Nothing to disclose
Stephen Krieger served as an advisor or consultant for: Acorda Therapeutics; Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals; Biogen; Genentech, Inc.; Genzyme Corporation; Mallinckrodt; Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation; Teva Neuroscience, Inc.