Positive Impact of Online Education on Physicians’ Knowledge and Confidence in Prenatal Screening Methodologies [21G

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Screening for fetal chromosomal abnormalities has become the standard of care for all pregnancies. This study assessed the ability of online continuing medical education (CME) to improve obstetricians/gynecologists (Ob/Gyns) knowledge regarding key considerations and interpretation of analyte and cell-free DNA (cfDNA) prenatal screening tests. METHODS: A 30-minute, CME-certified activity featuring a video-based discussion between two faculty and an associated video commentary in French (in partnership with the Collège National des Gynécologues Et Obstétriciens Français) was developed and launched online on 12/24/2018. Educational effectiveness was assessed with a repeated-pairs pre-/post-assessment study design; each individual served as his/her own control. A chi-square test assessed changes pre- to post-assessment. P values<0.05 are statistically significant. Effect sizes were evaluated using Cramer's V (<0.05 modest; 0.06-0.15 noticeable effect; 0.16-0.26 considerable effect; >0.26 extensive effect). RESULTS: 7,603 HCPs, including 6,788 physicians have participated in the activity. This analysis comprises data from the subset of Ob/Gyns (n=831) who answered all pre-/post-assessment questions through 08/14/19. Following participation, significant improvements were observed overall (P≤.0001, V=.140) and in the following areas: Identifying possible causes for a no-call result (61% pre vs 75% post; 23% relative improvement; P<.0001; V=.144). Recognizing the rationale for screening all pregnancies vs just high-risk pregnancies (61% pre vs 75% post; 21% relative improvement; P<.0001; V=.135). 41% Ob/Gyns reported measurable increases in their ability to interpret cfDNA test results. CONCLUSION: This educational activity significantly improved Ob/Gyn’s knowledge of clinical considerations when performing prenatal screening as well as key differentiating characteristics of analyte and cfDNA screening tests.