Addressing Deficiencies in Knowledge and Skills Regarding the Management of Women with Multiple Sclerosis Throughout the Reproductive Years (P13-2.002)

Abstract

<h3>Objective:</h3> To use continuing education (CE) to improve knowledge and skills related to specific issues and challenges regarding the management of women with multiple sclerosis (MS) throughout family planning, pregnancy/lactation, and menopause. <h3>Background:</h3> MS frequently impacts women of reproductive age, yet neurology physicians and advanced practice practitioners (APPs) lack knowledge and comfortability in the nuances of care required to manage women with MS throughout the reproductive years. Targeted CE can address knowledge and practice gaps, while also elucidating underlying drivers for these gaps to tailor future educational efforts. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> In February 2021, Vindico Medical Education provided 5 CE activities designed to educate neurology physicians and APPs on the specific issues regarding the management of women with MS during family planning, pregnancy/lactation, and menopause. A series of pre-, intra-, and post-activity assessments were used to collect information regarding baseline knowledge, attitudes, and skills as well as how the education impacted these measures. <h3>Results:</h3> Complete datasets were available for 276 neurologists and 142 APPs, with baseline knowledge and competence higher among physicians compared to APPs on all topics. Overall, baseline knowledge was highest on topics related MS during menopause and lowest on topics related to MS before and during pregnancy. This knowledge deficit translated to low baseline competence regarding the management of women with MS at the pregnancy-planning stage. Post-learning, however, there was a 36% relative increase in knowledge; and completers were 20% more likely to always use evidence-based treatment for women with MS throughout family planning stages. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> Regarding the care of women with MS throughout the productive years, neurology HCPs most lacked knowledge regarding the management of patients prior to trying to conceive, which translates to suboptimal patient care. Targeted CE improved knowledge and skills on these topics, and these findings can be used to tailor future education. <b>Disclosure:</b> Dr. Robinson has nothing to disclose. Jennifer Frederick has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of Vindico Medical Education. Jenna Gentile has nothing to disclose. Robert Esgro has nothing to disclose. Mrs. Scully has nothing to disclose.