624-P: Primary Care Education Leads to Improved Diabetes Knowledge and Clinical Practice

Abstract

Primary care providers (PCPs) are the initial treatment provider for a majority of the more than 100 million adults in the U.S. now living with diabetes or prediabetes. Constant changes in health care delivery and new diabetes therapies make it challenging for PCPs to stay up to date on the latest diabetes guidelines. In addition, only 14% of PCPs refer all patients with type 2 diabetes to diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) programs despite their evidence base for improving diabetes-related outcomes. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) developed a professional education program designed to broaden the knowledge and usage of the Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes (SOC) among PCPs and increase referrals to evidence-based interventions for the prevention and management of diabetes. Programs provide 6 hours of case-based, accredited, interactive education built around the realities of primary care to a group of 100-200 PCPs. The program covers treatment options, strategies to improve compliance in diabetes management, and prevention of type 2 diabetes. To assess changes in clinical practice, online surveys are administered before and 6 months following the program. From June 2018 to March 2019, 1,183 PCPs participated in one of 9 in-person programs hosted across the country. Six months after the program, 98% of PCPs reported a gain in knowledge related to their clinical practice, and knowledge of pharmacologic treatment options increased 21%. In addition, 56% of PCPs increased their use of the SOC and PCP referrals to DSMES programs increased 16%. Results from the program demonstrate positive impact on PCP knowledge and clinical practice in the primary care setting. PCPs are learning how to optimize patient care in a changing health care landscape, thus increasing the likelihood of improved patient outcomes. Notably, this program has an estimated reach of 2.7 million patients with diabetes and 1.4 million with prediabetes leading to a widespread improvement in care across the country. Disclosure R. Woolley: Employee; Self; American Diabetes Association. E. Colwell: None. E. Ford: None. A. Saxena: None. S. Bradley: None. Funding Abbott Diabetes Care; AstraZeneca; Merck & Co., Inc.; Novo Nordisk