CME curriculum improves clinician knowledge, competence, and confidence in managing patients with NF1-related tumors.

Abstract

e23009 Background: Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an uncommon complex autosomal dominant disorder caused by germline mutations in the NF1 tumor suppressor gene. Therapeutic options have historically been limited with surgical debulking being the preferred treatment modality. However, recent clinical data have shown improved outcomes with the use of MEK inhibitors. The objective of this study was to assess the educational impact of a series of continuing medical education (CME) activities on the knowledge, competence, and confidence of physician learners with respect to the treatment of NF1-related tumors. Methods: The educational series consisted of four online, CME-certified activities. For each activity, educational effect was assessed with a repeated pairs pre-/post-assessment study including a 3-item, multiple choice, knowledge/competence questionnaire and one confidence assessment question, with each participant serving as his/her own control. To assess changes in knowledge, competence, and confidence data from all clinicians who completed both pre- and post-questions were aggregated across activities, stratified by learning theme, and evaluated by target specialty. A repeated pairs pre-/post-assessment study design was used and McNemar’s test or paired samples t-test (P < .05) assessed educational effect. The first activity in the series launched Dec. 2019 and the last launched June 2020; data were collected until Dec. 2020. Results: Overall significant improvements were seen after education for oncologists (N = 258, P < .001), neurologists (N = 474, P < .001), surgeons (N = 427, P < .001), neurosurgeons (N = 93, P < .05), and pediatricians (N = 56, P < .001), regardless of practice setting. A sub-analysis of community specialists also showed significant improvements after education: oncologists (N = 117, P < .01), neurologists (N = 188, P < .001), and surgeons (N = 206, P < .001). Outcomes assessed by learning themes and specialty showed relative percent increases, with the majority being statistically significant. Conclusions: This analysis demonstrates that oncologists’ and other specialists’ knowledge, competence, and confidence regarding the treatment of NF1-related tumors improved after education, as measured through a comprehensive analysis of CME outcomes data from a variety of activities designed to achieve these ends. These results have the ability to translate to improvements in clinical care. Despite the improvements, additional educational activities are needed to address residual gaps and further increase clinicians’ ability in this clinical setting.