Objective: The effectiveness of continuing medical education (CME) in improving clinician knowledge and competence in the management of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) has been widely demonstrated. The current study builds upon existing literature by investigating the pathway by which CME drives clinician intention to implement changes in T2DM management.
Methods: Data from 6 accredited online T2DM CME programs targeting global diabetologists/endocrinologists (diab/endos) and primary care physicians (PCPs) launched in 2021 were analyzed. An objective knowledge/competence assessment was completed by a control group sampled from the target audience prior to the launch of each of the programs (n=301) and by a test group sampled from learners following participation (n=304). Post-education confidence improvement and intention to change were also measured in the test group. Significance of all between-group differences reported was tested using chi-square statistics.
Results: The education had a large effect size in improving clinician knowledge and competence managing T2DM (control vs test group correct response rate: 63% vs 92%, P < .001; Cohen’s d=1.21). Within the test group, 81% increased confidence in managing T2DM, and 73% planned to make clinical practice changes. Knowledge/competence did not directly predict intention to change, but those with improved confidence were more likely to plan for clinical practice change (79% vs 45%; P < .001). While knowledge/competence did not predict confidence improvement for diab/endos, PCPs who answered all questions correctly were more likely to report improved confidence (82% vs 56%; P < .01).
Conclusions: CME may indirectly drive clinician intention to implement practice changes via its impact on confidence for both diab/endos and PCPs. The role that knowledge and competence play in the pathway from CME to intention to change may vary for these two groups of clinicians.
P.Chen: None. C.Mardis: None. S.Gawade: None. A.Wiggins: None. Y.Oliver: None.
Eli Lilly and Company
