5109 Evaluation of an educational intervention to primary care providers to increase screening for primary aldosteronism

Abstract Disclosure: M.D. Figueiredo: None. J. Wagoner: None. W.F. Young: None. L.M. Fishbein: None. M.T. McDermott: None. Introduction: Primary aldosteronism (PA) accounts for at least 5% of hypertension cases and up to 20% of resistant hypertension. Underdiagnosis leads to delayed treatment and increases cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Our objective was to assess the impact of an educational series for primary care providers (PCPs) on increasing screening rates for PA. Methods: Educational intervention consisted of a 5-day, 2-minute email series for 111 PCPs on PA screening, confirmation, and treatment (trained group). Following the training, EMR data were extracted for patients with PAC (plasma aldosterone concentration) or PRA (plasma renin activity), new hypertension diagnosis code, or a new MRA prescription within 1 year pre- or post-intervention and data pre- and post- intervention were compared. A proper screen included sending both PAC and PRA simultaneously. IRB approval was obtained. Results: In the pre-intervention year, 57 patients were properly screened for PA by the 111 PCPs. Post-intervention, 151 patients were screened for PA showing a 2.65-fold increase in screening with the educational intervention. Using a paired T-test across quartiles pre- and post-intervention, this increase was statistically significant (P=0.0148). We further demonstrated a sustained effect throughout the 12 months post-intervention per quartile (Q+1 n=29, Q+2 n=45, Q+3 n=33, Q+4 n=42). Of the total cohort screened (both pre- and post-intervention), 28% had a positive screen for PA (defined liberally as PAC >5 ng/dL with PRA <1 ng/mL/h). Discussion: The educational intervention drove an increase in PCP screening for PA in the year post-intervention and this increase was sustained across all quartiles of the year. Of the screened cohort (pre- and post-intervention), 28% screened positive for PA, and those patients were more frequently referred to specialists post-intervention. Our study has some limitations, including the relatively small sample size of PCPs educated and patients screened, and the 2020 start to the COVID-19 pandemic impact during the post-intervention period. Conclusion: Our findings advocate for continued education to reinforce PA screening criteria using an easy, not time consuming and effective educational tool. Continuous education is crucial to reinforce next steps in confirmation and treatment. Presentation: 6/3/2024