SAT-131 Success of CME/CE in Promoting Practice Improvements in the Use of New Technologies for Glucose Monitoring

Abstract

Introduction: Glucose monitoring is a critical component in effective diabetes management. With the evolution of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), we studied the effect of online education designed to improve the knowledge and competence of primary care physicians (PCPs), nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs), and nurses in diabetes management as well as to help develop new decision-making skills. Method: The CME activity was a 30-minute online video panel discussion with experts discussing key study findings and offering practical recommendations on the use of CGM in the management of diabetes. Faculty discussion was reinforced with synchronized slides presenting supportive data. The activity was targeted to primary care physicians (PCPs), diabetologists and endocrinologists, nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs). The impact of the education on performance outcomes was measured with a follow-up Planned Change Assessment® (PCA) survey. The PCA survey was delivered immediately post-education to assess planned changes in clinician practice, and survey participants were contacted 8 weeks later to assess self-reported actual changes in practice. Results: A total of 859 clinicians in the target audience completed the survey immediately post-education, with 89% of respondents indicating an average of 2.7 planned practice changes each. When re-engaged with the follow up survey 58 targeted clinicians completed the survey. Of those, 90% reported making an average of 3.2 changes in practice as a result of this activity. Changes in practice were reported in the following areas: familiarizing self and other clinicians on how to read an ambulatory glucose profile (AGP) report (52% PCPs, 59% NPs/PAs, 42% nurses), recommending CGM in all appropriate patients (48% PCPs, 59% of NPs/PAs, 50% nurses), and using the AGP report to help patients understand how diet and exercise impact their glucose levels (31% PCPs, 47% NPs/PAs, 58% of nurses). The most commonly reported barriers to practice change included financial constraints such as formulary, reimbursement issues, or patient affordability, and time required to teach patients to use CGM. Conclusion: The outcomes gathered in this assessment provide compelling evidence that participation in a a 30-minute online video panel discussion with synchronized slides prompted changes in practice and prompted physicians, NPs/PAs, and nurses to recommend CGM in appropriate patients.