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The following article is part of conference coverage from the 2019 Annual Meeting of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers , in Seattle, Washington. Neurology Advisor‘s staff will be reporting breaking news associated with research conducted by leading experts in neurology. Check back for the latest news from CMSC 2019. |
SEATTLE — A 15-minute continuing medical education video improved knowledge among neurologists and primary care physicians related to managing multiple sclerosis (MS) prior to and during pregnancy, according to research presented at the 33rd Annual Meeting of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers, held May 28 through June 1, 2019, in Seattle, Washington.
This study included an online educational intervention designed to improve competence in using disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) to treat MS in those considering pregnancy. The study included primary care physicians and neurologists tested between September and October 2018, for whom educational impact was estimated by comparing answers to 4 identical questions given immediately before and following intervention. Significant differences between the responses were examined using a chi-squared test, whereas effect size was calculated using Cramer’s V.
Knowledge improved following the intervention, with a medium effect size among primary care physicians (n=293; V=.214) and neurologists (n=338; V=.247). Areas of significant improvement included the effect of MS on outcomes of pregnancy (125% relative improvement in primary care physicians; 24% in neurologists), recognition of the most contraindicated DMT during pregnancy (132% in primary care physicians; 85% in neurologists), and successful balancing of DMTs’ risks vs benefits in pregnancy (28% in primary care physicians; 36% in neurologists; P <.05 for all). Following the intervention, 39% of primary care physicians and 42% of neurologists self-reported greater confidence in the area.
The study researchers conclude that “the [continuing medical education]-certified 15-minute video discussion was effective at improving knowledge regarding the management of MS before and during pregnancy. Future education efforts should continue to address family planning, including treatment selection, in MS.”
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Visit Neurology Advisor‘s conference section for continuous coverage from CMSC 2019. |
Reference
Finnegan T, Murray C, Maeglin J. Balancing risk and disease control during pregnancy in multiple sclerosis: impact of medical education on knowledge and competence among neurologists and primary care physicians. Poster presented at: 33rd Annual Meeting of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers; May 28-June 1, 2019; Seattle, WA. Abstract DXT54.
