Purpose: To determine if online medical education for diabetologists/endocrinologists (diabs/endos) and primary care physicians (PCPs) can improve knowledge regarding treatment options for intensification of insulin in patients with T2DM, the rationale, clinical evidence, and benefits of novel basal insulins/GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) fixed-ratio combinations (FRCs) and competence related to the practical aspects of initiating and titrating such FRCs.

Methods: The educational activity consisted of a 30-min online video panel discussion with synchronized slides. Educational effect was assessed with a repeated pairs pre- and post-assessment study with a 3-item, multiple-choice, knowledge and competence questionnaire and a confidence assessment. For all questions, each participant acts as his/her own control. A χi-squared test assessed statistical significance at the P <.level. The activity launched November 30, 2016; data were collected until January 23, 2017.

Results: Participation in the activity significantly (P <.05) improved knowledge/competence of diabs/endos (average from 28% to 55%, n=99) and PCPs (average from 24% to 52%, n=129) with respect to initiating novel insulin FRCs in patients with T2DM, in particular understanding the benefits of novel short- and long-acting FRCs, how a basal insulin/GLP-1 RA FRC is effective in HbA1c reduction whilst offering better tolerability compared to monotherapy. Confidence levels in starting and titrating such FRCs in patients with T2DM uncontrolled on basal insulin also improved (57% in diabs/endos, 67% in PCPs).

Conclusions: Participation in an online video panel discussion improved knowledge, competence and confidence regarding the clinical benefits and use of novel insulin FRCs in appropriate patients with T2DM. Further education is warranted on these topics and for selecting the correct titration scheme for transitioning patients with uncontrolled T2DM receiving basal insulin.

Disclosure

J. Trier: None. R.F. McCarthy: None. S. Colagiuri: Advisory Panel; Self; AstraZeneca, Elsevier, Medscape, Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Novo Nordisk A/S, Sanofi, Servier.

© 2018 by the American Diabetes Association.
2018
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