Geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to AMD: Online medical education can significantly improve ophthalmologists' knowledge and confidence on evidence‐based guidance for patient management

Abstract

Aims/Purpose: To determine if online medical education for ophthalmologists (Ophth) could improve knowledge for GA disease impact, patient assessment and confidence in emerging therapies.Methods: Ophth participated in an online 30 min video, 3 expert roundtable discussion with accompanying slides. A repeated pairs pre−/post‐assessment study design was used, assessing three multiple choice knowledge and one confidence question. Statistical significance tests: McNemar's test for individual questions (5% significance level, p < 0.05), paired sample t‐test for overall average correct responses and confidence rating; data collected 16 December 2022 to 22 March 2023. Test completers: 230.Results: At baseline, 3% Ophth answered all three questions correctly, increasing to 37% (p < 0.01) post‐assessment. 58% Ophth reported improved confidence understanding the rationale for targeting the complement system with GA therapies. The activity significantly increased knowledge on impact of GA on time to loss of ability to drive (pre: 7%, post: 52%, p < 0.001), on recall of detrimental lesion characteristics (pre: 40%, post: 67% p < 0.01) as well as capability of automated OCT analysis algorithms to predict GA progression (pre: 51%, post: 69%, p < 0.001). Only 24% Ophth polled currently document >75% patients with advanced atrophic AMD with OCT/FAF imaging.Conclusions: Online medical education in the form of expert roundtable discussions with accompanying slides can significantly improve knowledge on assessing patients with GA using imaging, understand the rationale to treat and increase confidence in understanding the role of complement inhibition. Polling showed a lack in documenting patients for GA progression. Complementary education is warranted during the introduction of a novel therapeutic horizon in GA management in clinical practice to support evidence‐based patient selection guidance for emerging therapies.