Abstract 12131: Improved Knowledge and Confidence of Antiarrhythmic Drugs in Atrial Fibrillation via Online Educational Intervention

Abstract

Background: Antiarrhythmic drugs (AAD) are currently used for the management of patients with arrhythmias. Despite randomized trial and real-world data many physicians remain hesitant to select an AAD in the daily-life routine. Purpose: To determine if an online continuing professional development intervention could improve knowledge and confidence of cardiologists and primary care physicians (PCPs) related to real-world data for AAD. Methods: Cardiologists and PCPs electively participated in a video-based, 2-faculty educational panel discussion on AAD management of arrhythmias, including real-world data. Educational effect was assessed using a repeated pair, pre-assessment/post-assessment study design and a chi-square test assessed differences from pre- to post-assessment. P -values < .05 are statistically significant. Cramer’s V assessed level of educational effect using the range of < 0.06 (modest), 0.06-0.15 (noticeable), 0.16-0.26 (considerable), and > 0.26 (extensive). Data were collected June 5, 2020 through July 20, 2020. Results: Overall significant improvements were seen after education for cardiologists (N = 367; P < .0001; V = .359) and PCPs (N = 760; P < .0001; V = .359). Pre-assessment, the average correct response rate was 32% for cardiologists and 29% for PCPs, while post-assessment average correct response rates increased to 68% and 61%, respectively. Significant improvements were observed in cardiologists’ and PCPs’ knowledge related to the effect of AAD on outcomes (Table). As a result of the education, 36% of cardiologists and 45% of PCPs had a measurable improvement in confidence regarding selection of appropriate antiarrhythmic therapy for patients with AF. Conclusion: The statistically significant improvements observed in this intervention demonstrate that participation in a video-based panel discussion improved the knowledge and confidence regarding real-world data for AAD regarding their effects on outcomes.