Purpose: To determine if online medical education for diabetologists/endocrinologists (diabs/endos) and primary care physicians (PCPs) can improve knowledge regarding the consequences of elevated PPG, the need for better PPG control and more physiologic mealtime insulin replacement, PK/PD profiles, and latest clinical data of investigational faster-acting insulin analogs.
Methods: The educational activity consisted of a 30-min online video panel discussion amongst four experts with synchronized slides. Educational effect was assessed with a repeated pairs pre- and post-assessment study using a 3-item, multiple-choice, knowledge and competence questionnaire plus a confidence assessment in which participants act as their own controls. A χi-squared test assessed statistical significance at the P <.level. The activity launched December 21, 2016; data collected until February 1, 2017.
Results: Participation in the activity significantly improved knowledge of diabs/endos (average from 47% to 69%; n=73) and PCPs (from 55% to 72%; n=112) with respect to latest clinical data and potential benefits of new and emerging faster-acting insulins. On pre-assessment, clinicians showed high levels of knowledge (87%/82%) about the consequences of elevated PPG which was primarily reinforced on post-assessment. After participation, 51% of diabs/endos and 67% of PCPs demonstrated greater confidence in their understanding of the clinical profile of emerging faster-acting insulins for PPG management.
Conclusions: Participation in online education resulted in improvement or reinforcement of knowledge and confidence regarding the importance of good PPG control and the clinical profile of investigational faster-acting insulins. Further education is warranted on complications that correlate with elevated PPG, physiologic action of mealtime insulin replacement and latest clinical data of new and emerging faster-acting insulins.
A.M. Sendaydiego: None. J. Trier: None. E. Montanya: Employee; Spouse/Partner; Almirall, S.A.. Advisory Panel; Self; AstraZeneca. Consultant; Self; Intarcia Therapeutics, Inc.. Advisory Panel; Self; Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.. Research Support; Self; Menarini Group. Consultant; Self; MSD K.K.. Advisory Panel; Self; Novo Nordisk A/S. Speaker's Bureau; Self; Novo Nordisk A/S, AstraZeneca, Medscape. Advisory Panel; Self; Servier. Speaker's Bureau; Self; Servier. Consultant; Self; Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.
