Preparing Clinicians to Provide Equitable Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) Care: What Continuing Medical Education (CME) Can Achieve (P12-2.003)

Abstract

<h3>Objective:</h3> To assess the influence of live online CME on clinicians’ (HCPs) awareness of ethnic and racial differences in AD and ability to develop strategies to enhance care access for diverse patients. <h3>Background:</h3> Government agencies and advocacy groups have prioritized reduction of disparities in brain health. HCPs need to recognize the increased risks and burdens associated with AD in various ethno-racial groups and have outreach strategies for diverse underrepresented communities. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> We partnered with advocacy groups and experts in community-based AD care to produce two 60-minute CME activities, launched 12/16/2021 and 3/2/2022. The activities were on-demand for one year. Experts recorded videos outlining their community-outreach strategy. In addition, HCPs could submit their outreach plans to be reviewed during the second CME activity. Responses to test questions before, immediately post, and 2 months after an activity, along with outreach plans, were analyzed for insights and identification of remaining gaps. Chi-square compared paired responses (pre/post and pre/2 mos, <i>P</i>&lt;0.05). <h3>Results:</h3> As of 10/4/22, 1,893 HCPs participated and 865 identified as treaters seeing 10 patients/week. Post activity, there were marked improvements in awareness of causes of AD care inequities (+37%, <i>P</i>&lt;0.05), genetic predisposition (+46%, <i>P</i>&lt;0.05), and ability to identify tools to evaluate cognitive status (+55%, <i>P</i>&lt;0.05). Reported practice changes included use of assessment tools and strategies to evaluate patients and account for genetic and cultural differences. Six outreach plans were reviewed (communities were rural, urban, and/or low-economic status). Outreach projects included providing culturally appropriate education to communities, hiring a socially sensitive workforce, connecting with churches, and enhancing research diversity. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> Data support the positive impact of live-online CME in preparing HCPs to provide equitable AD care through increased recognition of critical differences in risk among races and ethnic groups and development of outreach strategies to build trust and address barriers to access. <b>Disclosure:</b> Carole Drexel has nothing to disclose. Dr. Wilson has nothing to disclose. Ms. Bixler has nothing to disclose. Goldie S. Byrd has nothing to disclose. Dr. Zwerling has nothing to disclose. Dr. Allen has nothing to disclose. Ms. Lynn has nothing to disclose.