DX70
Online Education Improves Neurologists' Knowledge of Investigational Therapies for the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common nontraumatic cause of significant disability and affects an estimated 2.5 million people worldwide. Although many disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) are currently available, none are curative. As a result, clinical research is ongoing to identify new therapeutic approaches to improve upon current options.
Objectives:
An online educational intervention was developed with the goal of improving neurologists’ knowledge of investigational DMTs for the treatment of MS.
Methods:
The effectiveness of an online educational intervention for neurologists in the form of a 30-minute video lecture using green screen technology, with slides overlaid was analyzed. Educational effect was assessed by comparing a matched sample of participants’ responses to 4 questions presented before and directly after exposure to the intervention. A chi-square test was used to identify significant differences between pre- and post-assessment responses of the learners. P values were calculated and those < .05 were considered statistically significant. Cramer’s V was used to calculate the effect size of online education. Data from the assessment were collected between April 4, 2016, and May 4, 2016.
Results:
For neurologists who participated in the online activity, comparison of responses to pre- and post-assessment questions demonstrated statistically significant improvements (n = 101; P <.05) and a medium effect size (V = 0.27). As a result of participating in this educational program, significant improvements were observed in several specific areas (P<.05): knowledge of serious adverse events associated with daclizumab from the DECIDE trial (111% pre vs post relative improvement); knowledge of the B-cell therapy with efficacy in the treatment of progressive MS (25% pre vs post relative improvement); the mechanism of action of siponimod (40% pre vs post relative improvement); and the clinical trial endpoint, which showed a significant improvement in the RENEW trial of anti-LINGO-1 (115% pre vs post relative improvement).
Conclusions:
This study demonstrated the success of a targeted, online video lecture on improving knowledge among neurologists regarding new and emerging DMTs for the treatment of MS. Future education should continue to address specific clinical trial outcomes given the large relative improvement in knowledge specific to questions on this topic.