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Abstract
Background Research indicates that some of the continuing burden of advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) may be attributed to the difficulty for the multidisciplinary team in maintaining a working knowledge of emerging data and recommendations that can inform clinical decision making, particularly surrounding the use of immunotherapy. This study was conducted to investigate whether an online, case-based continuing medical education (CME)/nursing continuing professional development (NCPD)–approved activity could address gaps in clinicians’ knowledge regarding recent advances in immunotherapy and the need for personalized care of patients with advanced NSCLC without driver mutations.
Methods Ticiana Leal, MD, and Beth Sandy, MSN, CRNP, presented a video viewpoint strategy session titled Harnessing Immunotherapy-Based Strategies for Advanced Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer. This CME/NCPD-approved activity was made available online starting on April 6, 2022. Learners participated in a 1.25-hour session that explained the latest guidance on patient selection, efficacy, safety, and supportive care strategies for NSCLC immunotherapy. Learners completed a repeated-pairs pre- and post-activity assessment consisting of case-based questions that gauged their ability to apply emerging data to clinical decision making. Baseline knowledge gaps and subsequent learning gains were calculated based on percentages of learners obtaining correct responses on the pre- and post-activity assessments. Significance was assessed using a chi-squared test of independence. In addition, learners reported self-perceived gains in confidence and competence using 5-point Likert scale questions.
Results As of July 27, 2022, 189 clinicians had completed the activity for credit. Baseline assessment data revealed gaps in knowledge regarding patient selection criteria, emerging actionable targets, and management of treatment-related adverse events. Learners scored an average of 34% on pretest topics; after completing the activity, the posttest average rose to 86%. The activity resulted in significant gains in knowledge and competence related to these topics, with P < 0.0001 for all learning gains (table 1, figure 1–3). Upon completion of the activity, 88% of learners self-reported that knowledge acquired from this activity would be utilized to improve the outcomes of their patients, and 86% of learners self-reported that after the activity, they felt more confident in treating patients with advanced NSCLC.
Conclusions These data indicate that a substantial knowledge gap exists regarding the latest developments in the treatment of advanced NSCLC. They also demonstrate that online, case-based CME/NCPD-approved activities can result in statistically significant improvements in clinicians’ knowledge of therapeutic advances and management of treatment-related adverse events for patients with advanced NSCLC receiving immunotherapy.
Acknowledgements This activity was supported by an independent educational grant from Merck.
