Online CME Effectively Improves Obstetrician–Gynecologists' Clinical Knowledge and Confidence Related to Cytomegalovirus [ID: 1368765

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: We sought to determine whether an online continuing medical education (CME) series could improve the clinical knowledge and confidence of obstetrician–gynecologists related to cytomegalovirus (CMV). METHODS: Two online, 30-minute panel discussions, with educational effects assessed for matched learners completing all pre/post questions. The McNemar's test assessed differences from pre to post (P<.05 are statistically significant). The activities launched in March and April 2022, and data were collected for 3 months for each activity. RESULTS: Overall, 50–51% of obstetrician–gynecologists demonstrated improvements. For activity 1 (N=147), 31% improved at recognizing the burden of CMV (P<.01, 44% need additional education); 20% improved at selecting CMV acquisition risk reduction strategies (P<.01, 25% need additional education); 24% improved at identifying complications of congenital CMV (P<.01, 26% need additional education); 51% increased confidence at educating pregnant women about CMV risk reduction (P<.01), with an average confidence shift of +78% among those who improved. For activity 2 (N=130), 32% improved at recognizing the lifecycle of CMV (P<.01, 32% need additional education); 24% improved at selecting factors associated with CMV seropositivity (P<.01, 35% need additional education); 15% improved at identifying common complications of CMV at birth (P<.01, 35% need additional education); 48% increased confidence at understanding of the role of CMV serostatus in pregnant patients (P<.01), with an average confidence shift of +79% among those who improved. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the success of an online, serial learning initiative at improving clinical knowledge and confidence of obstetrician–gynecologists related to CMV. Continued gaps were identified for future education.