Background/Purpose: Despite supportive real-world evidence, the use of Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remains limited in community settings. Concerns stemming from the ORAL Surveillance Trial and related regulatory restrictions have contributed to clinician hesitation. To better understand persistent barriers to the use of JAK inhibitors in clinical practice, we analyzed outcomes data from a continuing medical education (CME) program focused on JAKi use in RA.

Methods: A 60-minute expert panel discussion was launched online in December 2024 and remains available on-demand for one year. The activity is targeted to rheumatologists and primary care providers (PCPs) with experience managing RA. Targeted outreach included short video segments delivered via social media to NPI-verified rheumatologists. Change in knowledge, confidence (via Likert scale), and remaining educational needs post activity were assessed. Paired responses were analyzed using chi-square tests (pre vs post; P < 0.05).

Results: As of May 2025, 926 HCPs had participated (41% rheumatologists; 28% PCPs), with most reporting care of ≥10 RA patients per month. The activity significantly improved awareness of the JAK1 selectivity of upadacitinib (28% pre vs 50% post). However, knowledge of the relationship between venous thromboembolism and associated risk factors with tofacitinib and efficacy of baricitinib in clinical trials remained unchanged (pre 46% vs post 47% and pre 43% vs post 47%). Key educational needs identified post-activity included: selecting appropriate JAKi candidates (37%), managing side effects and risks (37%), and differentiating among JAK inhibitors by safety and efficacy (33%). Confidence in prescribing JAKi increased from 2.0 to 3.7 (5-point scale).

Conclusion: Knowledge surrounding the efficacy and safety risks JAKi remained largely unchanged following the activity, and participants continued to identify unmet educational needs in selecting appropriate candidates, managing risks, and differentiating among JAKi. These persistent gaps suggest that key aspects of JAKi use remain poorly understood. Notably, this limited knowledge stood in contrast to a substantial increase in self-reported prescribing confidence, indicating a potential overestimation of preparedness that underscores the need for deeper, more targeted educational interventions.[Support from an independent medical education grant from AbbVie was provided for the CME activity, not for the work associated with the abstract.]

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ACR Meeting Abstracts - https://acrabstracts.org/abstract/addressing-hesitancy-in-jak-inhibitor-use-outcomes-from-continuing-medical-education-reveal-confidence-knowledge-gaps-among-community-rheumatologists/