The impact of live education on the competence and performance of oncology practitioners who care for patients with ovarian cancer.

Abstract

e23010 Background: About a third of ovarian cancer patients in the US have limited access to a gynecologic oncologist (GO) due to geographic disparities. A survey by The Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) found that the majority of GOs found it was vital to coordinate local access to care, from diagnosis to survivorship, for patients living in areas of disparity. This allows rural/underserved patients broader access to novel therapies, as they increasingly become standard of care. It is critical for not only GOs to be current on the latest ovarian cancer data, but all clinicians who care for these patients. Methods: CEC Oncology developed two educational initiatives focused on PARP inhibitor therapy in ovarian cancer, which was targeted to all US healthcare professionals caring for ovarian cancer patients. Evaluations were collected from attendees attending an SGO Symposium and Ground Round (GR) series to assess impact on practice, increased competency, and intent to make a change in practice. Learning, knowledge, and competence was objectively assessed by analyzing pre-test, post-test, and follow-up survey data (sent 4-6 weeks post-activity). Chi-square analysis was conducted with a priori significance set at 0.05. Results: A total of 830 clinicians were educated, with SGO attendees primarily practicing in academic settings and GR attendees mostly from community practices. SGO attendees were asked case questions at baseline, immediately after the activity, and 4-6 weeks after the activity. Knowledge increased from pre- to post-test regarding current genetic testing recommendations (23% increase; P= .004) and appropriate selection of PARP inhibitor therapy (25% increase; P= .017). Knowledge was sustained at follow-up analysis. At follow-up, 90% of SGO and 84% of GR attendees made a change as a result of attending the activities. More attendees were able to incorporate germline multigene testing into practice, than originally intended; increase of 29% for SGO and 7% for GR audiences. All attendees experienced the barrier lack of patient education about the importance of genetic testing/counseling more than anticipated; increase of 7% for SGO and 13% for GR audiences. At follow-up, there was a 9% increase in GR attendees listing staying current with trial data and practice guidelines as a barrier. Conclusions: There were some notable differences seen in competence/performance among attendees of the two ovarian cancer educational initiatives. Differences may be attributed to practice setting (SGO primarily academic; GR primarily community.) Overall, GR attendees were more likely to face barriers, suggesting that community-based clinicians have fewer resources and experience more barriers to implementing best practices. Thus, it is vital to offer education for clinicians in community-based practices, particularly in areas that are considered ‘geographically disparate’.