We sought to determine if online, virtual patient simulation (VPS) -based continuing medical education (CME) can improve performance of diabetologists/endocrinologists (D/Es) and PCPs in comprehensive management of T2D.

Methods: The CME comprised a patient presenting at two different time points in a VPS platform that allows learners to order lab tests, make diagnoses, and prescribe treatments similar to actual practice. Tailored clinical guidance (CG) , based on current evidence, was provided, followed by opportunity to modify choices. Decisions were collected post-CG and compared with baseline (pre-CG) decisions using a McNemar’s test to determine P values. The activity posted July 8, 2021; initial data collected through December 7, 2021.

Results: 48 D/Es and 494 PCPs completed all decisions within at least 1 case and were included. Case 1: Primary Prevention: 48% relative increase of D/Es (56% pre-CG vs. 83% post-CG; P<.001) and 21% relative increase of PCPs (70% pre-CG vs. 85% post-CG; P<.001) who assessed glycemic control and CV risk. 425% relative increase of D/Es (8% pre-CG vs. 42% post-CG; P<.001) and 1150% relative increase of PCPs (4% pre-CG vs. 50% post-CG; P<.001) who accurately ordered treatments for primary prevention. Case 2: Secondary Prevention: 23% relative increase of D/Es (66% pre-CG vs. 81% post-CG; P<.05) and 11% relative increase of PCPs (76% pre-CG vs. 84% post-CG; P<.001) who assessed glycemic control and CV risk. 163% relative increase of D/Es (19% pre-CG vs. 50% post-CG; P<.01) and 103% relative increase of PCPs (29% pre-CG vs. 59% post-CG; P<.001) who accurately ordered treatments for secondary prevention. Continued Gaps: 58% of the D/Es and 50% of PCPs failed to provide effective primary prevention risk reduction in case one, and 50% of the D/Es and 41% of PCPs failed to provide effective secondary prevention risk reduction in case two.

Conclusion: This CME strategy improved evidence-based clinical decisions related to comprehensive management of T2D.

Disclosure

A.Larkin: None. M.Lacouture: None.

Funding

Eli Lilly and Company

© 2022 by the American Diabetes Association
2022
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