OR28-6 Combating Therapeutic Inertia: Project ECHO for Diabetes Improves Primary Care Providers’ Comfort and Use of Diabetes Medication and Technology

Abstract

Abstract Background Despite newer diabetes medications and technology being available, therapeutic inertia persists and there are more people living with "uncontrolled" diabetes than meeting A1c targets. Here we evaluate how the ECHO© model for diabetes management changed prescribing practices among participating primary care providers (PCPS). Methodology Three unique diabetes ECHO programs evaluated comfort or perception of prescribing practice changes for local community PCPs (n=74) in four regions (Illinois, District of Columbia, New Mexico, and Washington). One site representing two regions collected pre- and post-program participant surveys (n=45) while two sites collected post-program surveys only (n=29), in which respondents reported perceptions of changes resulting from participation in ECHO. Participants reported their use of technology (professional and personal continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and insulin pumps) and medications (insulin and non-insulin). Results On a 4-point Likert scale, PCPs’ (n=45) average self-reported prescription use for newer diabetes medications with cardiovascular indications increased from 3.07 (sometimes) to 3.84 (sometimes-always). Presentation: Tuesday, June 14, 2022 11:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.