EP04.16: ‘Infections in pregnancy’ eLearning course significantly improves general practitioner's knowledge and intention to educate patients on CMV prevention

CMV is the leading infectious cause of newborn disability such as hearing loss and cerebral palsy. Despite national recommendations to inform pregnant women about CMV prevention measures, fewer than 10% of maternal health professionals routinely provide this advice. Aims: to evaluate whether a CMV eLearning course improves 1) general practitioner (GP) knowledge of CMV, and 2) their intention to routinely provide prevention counselling to patients. The ‘Infections in Pregnancy’ course was advertised nationally by Praxhub, RACGP and Public Health Networks. GPs undertaking the course March-December 2023 were invited to complete an evaluation questionnaire; before the course (T1), after completion (T2) and after 8 weeks (T3). A linear mixed effects model was used to evaluate change in GP scores and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The model was adjusted for previous exposure to CMV education, rural/metropolitan location and years' experience. Participants (n = 164) were shared care GPs (56%), non-shared care GPs (34%), GP obstetricians (4%), and GP registrars (6%). At T1, 94% reported no prior CMV education. Total adjusted mean CMV knowledge scores increased significantly from T1-T2 (+1.35; 0.99, 1.74, p < 0.001). T3 scores remained significantly higher than T1 (+0.97; 0.57, 1.42, p < 0.001)). At T1, 26% of participants routinely counselled pregnant women about CMV. At T2, 96% indicated that they intended to routinely counsel pregnant women about CMV and this was maintained at T3 (95%) (p < 0.001). Confidence in CMV counselling increased from 25% at T1 to 96% at T2 (p > 0.001) and this was maintained at T3 (95%). Participants who completed the ‘Infections in pregnancy’ eLearning course had significant improvement in CMV knowledge, and the majority intended to routinely advise patients on CMV risk reduction. Programs targeting other maternity health professionals are now planned to support implementation of the CMV prevention guidelines.