Background: This study examined if online continuing medical education (CME) assessed if obesity evidence-based best practices would result in adoption of new clinical practices.
Methods: Clinicians participated in an online patient simulation CME activity, comprised of two different patient scenarios similar to practice. Performance was assessed with a survey 30-60 days post-education, identifying practice changes and the degree to which clinicians experience barriers to those changes. The data were collected from 3/2/2023 to 9/15/2023.
Results: There were 28 primary care physician (PCP) learners who completed the survey. Analysis showed that 96% of learners made a practice change or had practices reinforced due to education. Top 3 practice changes modified or implemented as a result of education included: Identifying patients with obesity who may benefit from anti-obesity medication (68%); Initiating anti-obesity medication early in patients meeting diagnostic criteria for obesity (68%); and screening patients for obesity (64%). Some of the main barriers to implementing practice changes identified by the learners include: Identifying patients with obesity who may benefit from anti-obesity medication; Implementing diet and exercise into practice for management of obesity; Initiating anti-obesity medication early in patients meeting diagnostic criteria for obesity; and Correctly dosing anti-obesity medication in patients meeting diagnostic criteria for obesity.
Conclusions: The practice changes identified in this assessment provide compelling evidence that participation in online CME prompts adoption of changes in practice related obesity management in patients with and without T2D.
A. Larkin: None. A. Le: None.
This education was supported by an independent educational grant from Lilly.
