Background/Purpose: Given the recent advances in the management of patients systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatology and primary care providers are challenged to administer the latest evidence-based care. To address this, a series of continuing medical education (CME) initiatives were implemented for distinct specialty audiences, and the impact of the education on provider knowledge and behaviors was measured.

Methods: Between November 2020 and May 2022, Vindico Medical Education provided 8 CME programs targeted to rheumatologists and primary care providers (PCPs) who see patients with SLE. Baseline knowledge and behaviors as well as educational impact were assessed via pre- and post-test, across 5 primary topics – incidence/risk, patient assessment, visceral organ involvement, corticosteroid safety, and optimizing treatment.

Results: Across activities, 9,274 healthcare providers participated in the education and 3,907 who see an average of 8 patients with SLE per month obtained CE credit. For both specialty cohorts (rheumatology and PCP), baseline knowledge was lowest regarding risks of steroids (22%) as well as risk associated with disease (37%), with specialists only slightly more knowledgeable at baseline. While rheumatologists had higher baseline knowledge than PCPs regarding patient assessment and treatment, specialists only scored 61% on these topics. Post-test scores across topics were 80% for specialists and 83% for PCPs, demonstrating robust educational impact. At baseline, 80% of rheumatologists and 67% of PCPs reported always or frequently identifying patients with SLE and organ involvement in a timely manner, though 34% and 73% lack confidence in doing so, respectively. Additionally, both cohorts note the management of patients with SLE and visceral organ involvement as their primary challenge in patient care. Post-education, rheumatology completers are more likely to administer evidence-based care, and, in 2022, 77% had reported using either of the new agents for LN. Moreover, three months following the education, 92% of providers reported implementing practice improvements, including improvements in patient assessment, treatment, and communication.

Conclusion: Recent advances in the management of patients with SLE have presented knowledge and practice gaps for providers, particularly regarding the long-term use of steroids and the management of patients with visceral organ involvement. This study highlights the efficacy of multimodal CE to address these gaps and encourage practice improvements. As data continues to evolve, rheumatology and primary care providers will require continued education to facilitate application of clinical advances to practice.

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ACR Meeting Abstracts - https://acrabstracts.org/abstract/identifying-and-addressing-gaps-in-systemic-lupus-erythematosus-care-via-multimodal-continuing-medical-education/