New Targeted Therapies for Improving Cholesterol and CV Outcomes in Patients with Familial Hypercholesterolemia

Abstract

<h3>Lead Author's Financial Disclosures</h3> Nothing to disclose. <h3>Study Funding</h3> Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. <h3>Background/Synopsis</h3> For five years, Med Learning Group (MLG) has integrated virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) tools into its educational activities. These tools are used to further engage learners, enhance comprehension, improve recall, and support practice change. The tools are downloadable and promote patient engagement post-activity. Furthermore, MLG has enhanced our programming even more by creating VR rooms for an immersive educational experience. MLG has developed a variety of educational activities which included VR and AR animations based on the pathophysiology of hypercholesterolemia and the mechanism of action of the latest recommended therapies to help in reducing the risk of CVD. Post-activity tests and evaluations show the importance of advanced continuing medical education (CME) VR and AR animations. Outcomes from these programs demonstrate how these advanced modalities result in greater knowledge and competency gains, practice improvements, and patient engagement. <h3>Objective/Purpose</h3> The use of VR and AR in CME can enhance cardiologists' understanding of the pathophysiology and current and emerging therapies in hypercholesterolemia care in order to reduce patients' risk of CVD. <h3>Methods</h3> MLG provided award-winning VR and AR based education on hypercholesterolemia in 2019 and 2020. In April 2021, MLG updated its IMPACT CVD website (https://impact-cvd.com/) and will be sharing digital learning labs at a variety of association meetings throughout the year. The website serves as a hub for clinical practice tools, like downloadable aminations, poster portals, and patient- and HCP-focused toolkits, to promote continuous learning and enhanced patient engagement. MLG is expected to set up VR rooms at the annual meetings for ASPC Conference on CVD Prevention, National Lipid Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, AMCP Nexus, and American Heart Association between July and November 2021. The VR rooms will target the following audiences: cardiologists and lipidologists; managed care professionals; infusion center professionals; and pediatric FH specialists. The VR rooms will include 4 3D/VR themes, a case study, and a 360-degre 4K filmed faculty presentation. Participants of the VR room will be able to design personalized posters on CVD and have access to an AR application. MLG will then create a virtual pathways series based on the VR rooms inclusive of 1-hr online programming. Pre/post-tests, electronic evaluations, and online surveys will be conducted to evaluate the importance of these technologies in creating a long-lasting education experience for HCPs, in turn, benefiting patients. <h3>Results</h3> MLG expects this education to reach over 7,500 learners. Outcomes from the pre/post-test, electronic evaluations, and online survey will be ready prior to the 2021 National Lipid Association conference. The poster will show longitudinal learning gains from 2019 - 2021 by specialty. <h3>Conclusions</h3> VR and AR have proved to be an asset to the continuing education of HCPs treating patients with hypercholesterolemia. These tools ultimately benefit the patients these providers administer care to and create a lasting effect.