Online CME Successful at Improving Nephrologists' Knowledge and Confidence Related to Understanding Emerging Therapies for IgAN, but Persistent Gaps Remain

Background: We sought to determine if online continuing medical education (CME) could improve the knowledge and confidence of nephrologists related to emerging therapies for IgAN. Methods: Intervention was a 30-min online video discussion between 2 faculty with synchronized and downloadable slides. Educational effects assessed for learners completing both pre- and post-assessment questions. A paired samples t-test was conducted for overall significance and for confidence rating, and a McNemar test was conducted at the question level (5% significance level, P <.05). Data were collected from January 3-April 4, 2025. Results: Within the study period, 300 nephrologists participated and 34 answered all pre-/post- questions for inclusion. Overall, 50% improved their knowledge (P<.001) and 8 times more answered all questions correctly (3% pre to 24% post). 9% demonstrated improvement in identifying a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) as an essential growth factor in IgAN (P<.08); 79% demonstrated reinforcement, signaling this was not new information and ability to apply this concept in practice. 18% demonstrated improvements in knowledge of clinical trial endpoints for an emerging therapy (P<.06); 44% need additional education on this topic, signaling a need to improve understanding of clinical trial data to better assess their impact on and place in practice. 41% demonstrated improvements in knowledge of the period of time of a clinical trial related to an emerging agent (P<.001); 56% need additional education on this topic, signaling a need to improve understanding of clinical trials so they can appropriately apply clinical trial data to practice and set reasonable expectations for treatment goals and monitoring. 38% had a measurable improvement in confidence in ability to describe emerging therapies for IgAN (P<.001). Conclusion: This study demonstrates the success of online CME on improving knowledge and confidence of nephrologists related to understanding emerging therapies for IgAN. Significant continued knowledge gaps in understanding and assessing clinical trial data for emerging therapies were identified for future education. These persistent gaps can reduce ability to interpret trial data and assess impact on practice, as well as apply data to practice when agents become available.