1114 - Identifying and Addressing Knowledge Gaps in Influenza Management with Targeted Continuing Medical Education

Background: Influenza represents a year-round disease burden. Despite CDC recommendations, providers do not always effectively test for and treat influenza. To address identified knowledge gaps regarding the care of patients with or at-risk for influenza infection, a series of continuing education (CE) initiatives were implemented for distinct specialty audiences, and the impact of the education on provider knowledge was measured.

Methods: Between July 2018 and June 2020, Vindico Medical Education provided 35 CME programs (19 web, 14 live, and 2 print) targeted primarily to any of 4 specialty audiences – ID specialists, pulmonologists, emergency medicine providers, or primary care providers (PCPs). Baseline knowledge and educational impact were assessed via pre-and post-test, respectively, across 3 primary topics – testing, mechanisms of therapeutic agents, and treatment.

Results: As of June 1, 2020, 39,677 healthcare providers participated in the education and 19,209 had obtained CE credit. Baseline knowledge was lowest regarding testing (44%) and antiviral mechanisms (43%), particularly among all but the pulmonology specialists. Average post-test scores were highest among pulmonology (85%) and primary care (85%) providers. The average relative increase in knowledge across all topics and specialties was 69%. A total of 17,480 providers who see on average 8.5 patients per month presenting with flu-like symptoms committed to practice improvements, resulting in approximately 150,000 patients per month who are more likely to receive the latest evidence-based care. Moreover, three months following the education, 68% of providers reported implementing practice improvements, including applying the latest clinical guidelines and recommendations.

Conclusion: As data regarding new options for the treatment of influenza continues to emerge, CE education on these topics will be needed. This study highlights the efficacy of multimodal CE to address knowledge gaps among providers who see patients with or at-risk for influenza infection.