(CSEMP030) E-CONSULTS AS A TOOL TO IDENTIFY PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER PRACTICE-BASED CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT LEARNING NEEDS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY

Abstract:

Introduction: Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities are designed to address the learning needs of healthcare providers. The use of web-based tools such as electronic consultations (eConsults) provides an unique opportunity to evaluate current practice-based learning needs of primary care providers (PCPs). The purpose of our study was to analyze clinical questions asked by PCPs in Endocrinology eConsult referrals to identify CPD learning needs.

Methods: We analyzed the themes of 714 eConsult referrals sent by PCPs across Ontario from March 1 2017 to July 31 2023. The data was organized across 18 different clinical topics, and further classified into subcategories based on the clinical question reviewed. The type of question was classified based on previously validated taxonomy.

Results: Of a total of 714 questions, 241 (34%) were related to diagnosis and work up of endocrine conditions; 218 (31%) were related to specific drug treatments and associated side-effects; and 216 (30%) were related to the general management of patients with endocrine disorders. The most common topic was thyroid disease (30%). The majority of questions were related to work up and management of hypothyroidism in different clinical contexts, as well as guidance on work up of thyroid nodules. The second most common topic was type 2 diabetes (17.5%), with questions focusing on selection of antihyperglycemic agents in chronic kidney disease and frail elderly patients. Other questions were related to treatment with GLP 1 receptor agonists and related to side effects. The other most frequently asked questions were related to osteoporosis (8.5%), pituitary gland disorders (6.9%) and women’s health (6%).

Conclusion: Our study used e-Consults as a valuable tool to identify PCP practice-based learning needs across multiple endocrine conditions. The results will be useful as a needs assessment tool for CPD planning on endocrine-related topics.