Introduction: Impact of online, virtual patient simulation (VPS)-based continuing medical education (CME) on primary care physician (PCP) performance related to management of obesity in patients with and without T2D was assessed.
Methods: The VPS included two different patient scenarios. Tailored clinical guidance (CG) was shown after each clinical decision, followed by the opportunity to modify to their decisions. Data were collected post-CG and compared with each user’s baseline (pre-CG) using a McNemar’s test. Data collected March 2023 through June 2023.
Results: 624 PCPs were included. Case 1 (48 YO Obese Female with history of T2D, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia): Ordering tests: 13% absolute improvement (P<.001; baseline 40%); Making diagnoses: 33% absolute improvement (P<.001; baseline 0%); Ordering comprehensive treatment plans: 28% absolute improvement (P<.001; baseline 19%). Rationales for not prescribing therapy included not sure who to treat or when to use pharmacotherapy (41%), concerns with past obesity drugs (37%), and poor safety profiles (21%). Case 2 (55 YO obese male following-up on recent labs): Ordering tests: 10% absolute improvement (P<.001; baseline 42%); Making diagnoses: 38% absolute improvement (P<.001; baseline 26%); Ordering comprehensive treatment plans: 23% absolute improvement (P<.001; baseline 12%). Rationales for not prescribing therapy included not sure who to treat or when to use pharmacotherapy (39%), concerns with past obesity drugs (37%), and poor safety profiles (25%). Continued Gaps: Approximately half of PCPs have continued gaps in ordering tests to screen or monitor metabolic conditions, as well as making an obesity diagnosis. Over half of PCPs failed to comprehensively treat obesity.
Conclusion: VPS can improve evidence-based clinical decisions by PCPs related to comprehensive management of obesity in patients with and without T2D.
A. Larkin: None. A. Le: None.
Developed through an independent educational grant from Lilly.
