Background/Purpose: While major medical conferences provide the most up-to-date evidence regarding diseases and treatments, time demands and financial constraints are often cited as reasons for non-participation. A study was conducted to determine whether an online educational activity could effectively address a knowledge gap in awareness of emerging trial results as presented at a major rheumatology conference in the field of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods: An online educational intervention focusing on key abstracts in RA presented at the American College of Rheumatology Annual Meeting 2016 was developed and made available online. The education consisted of 3 video-based expert discussions covering both trial outcomes and associated clinical implications, for the intended audience of practicing rheumatologists. The educational impact was assessed by comparing participants’ responses to 3 identical paired pre- and post-assessment questions. Pairing of responses allows each learner to act as his/her own control. Data representing a statistical sampling of the overall learner population were collected from December 22, 2016 through January 31, 2017. Statistical analysis comprised a paired 2-tailed t-test comparing mean pre-assessment and post-assessment scores, McNemar’s χ2 statistic for measuring changes in responses to individual questions, and probability values (P values) for both t-test and χ2 statistics. This analysis considers P < .05 as meeting statistical significance. Cramer’s V was used to calculate the overall effect size of the intervention.

Results: For the rheumatologists who participated in the online activity, comparison of pre- and post-assessment responses demonstrated statistically significant improvements (n = 59; P <.05) in knowledge and a robust overall effect (V = 0.307). As a result of participating in this educational program, significant absolute percentage increases in correct responses were observed (all P <.05):

• 25% increase (44% vs 69%) in those who identified the trial design of an open-label extension of the MOBILITY trial regarding the 3-year efficacy of a specific IL-6 inhibitor

• 36% increase (10% vs 46%) in those who recognized the association between different types of disease flare and progression of joint damage as reported in a post hoc analysis of the PRESERVE trial

• 31% increase (44% vs 75%) in those who identified that tumor necrosis factor alpha therapy allowed patients to reduce or discontinue methotrexate or corticosteroid therapy as reported in a 10-year open-label extension of the PREMIER and DE019 trials

Conclusion: Participation in video-based expert discussions of clinical trial data from current and emerging agents resulted in significant improvement in knowledge of rheumatologists. A need for further education was also identified regarding the most up-to-date clinical information regarding management of RA as presented at major medical conferences.

ACR Meeting Abstracts - https://acrabstracts.org/abstract/improving-knowledge-of-rheumatoid-arthritis-clinical-trial-results-among-rheumatologists-effect-of-an-online-educational-intervention/