Background/Purpose: Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)–associated vasculitis (AAV) is a rare condition that affects several organ systems, has a high rate of mortality, and involves clinicians from several specialties. It is important for clinicians to understand the therapeutic goals for treating AAV, including induction and maintenance of remission, as well as treatment of relapse. Rheumatologists who are involved in the management of AAV are challenged to stay updated with the emerging clinical trial data of new therapies that may offer additional options for AAV treatment. This study examined whether online continuing medical education (CME) could improve the knowledge and confidence of rheumatologists regarding treatment advancements for AAV.

Methods: Clinicians participated in a 30-minute online video-based roundtable discussion. Educational effect was assessed using a repeated-pair design with pre-/post-assessment. 3 multiple choice questions assessed knowledge, and 1 question rated on a Likert-type scale assessed confidence. A paired samples t-test was conducted for significance testing on overall average number of correct responses and for confidence rating, and a McNemar’s test was conducted at the learning objective level (5% significance level, P < .05). Cohen’s d estimated the effect size of the education on number of correct responses (< .20 modest, .20-.49 small, .59-.79 moderate, ≥.80 large). Data were collected from 8/3/2021 to 10/15/2021.

Results: The analysis set consisted of responses from rheumatologists (n=50).

• 38% of rheumatologists improved their overall knowledge related to treatment advancements in AAV (P< 0.05; Cohen’s d=0.37).
• 36% of rheumatologists improved their knowledge specifically related to clinical data on emerging therapies for AAV (P< 0.05), resulting in a 52% relative increase in responses correct from pre- to post-CME (27% pre, 41% post).
• 44% of rheumatologists had a measurable increase in confidence (P< 0.001), resulting in 38% who were mostly or very confident in interpreting clinical data for new/emerging agents for AAV post-assessment (11% pre-CME).

Conclusion: This study demonstrated the success of online, video-based panel discussion CME on improving knowledge and confidence related to the advancements in the clinical management of AAV. These findings suggest the benefits of education that addresses rheumatologists’ individual needs across the continuum of their professional development. Additionally, this CME activity identified persistent gaps in knowledge related to the treatment of AAV which can be used to guide future educational initiatives.

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ACR Meeting Abstracts - https://acrabstracts.org/abstract/anca-associated-vasculitis-online-cme-improves-rheumatologists-knowledge-and-confidence/