Treatment for patients with newly diagnosed advanced ovarian cancer is changing rapidly. It is vital for the specialists who care for these patients to keep abreast of emerging research and recommendations. Researchers sought to determine whether online continuing medical education could improve the knowledge, competence, and confidence of oncologists and obstetrician-gynecologists in the use of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors in patients with newly diagnosed advanced ovarian cancer.
In November 2019, a 30-minute online video panel discussion with synchronized slides was launched for physicians outside of the United States. Data were collected until January 2020. The effect of the educational activity was assessed with pre- and post-activity evaluations. Participants responded to 3 multiple-choice, knowledge questions and 1 self-efficacy 5-point-scale confidence question. The pre- to post-activity changes were assessed, and the magnitude of change for each question was determined.
A total of 157 oncologists and 152 obstetrician-gynecologists completed the pre- and post-activity questions. In both groups, a positive educational effect was observed. Participants with 3/3 correct answers increased from 16% to 44% from pre- to post-activity for oncologists and 11% to 32% for obstetrician-gynecologists. Improvement in correct response for questions on data from the PRIMA trial of niraparib improved from 18% to 48% for oncologists and 16% to 41% for obstetrician-gynecologists. For questions on the PAOLA trial data for olaparib, correct response increased from 68% to 80% for oncologists and 53% to 59% for obstetrician-gynecologists.
A good baseline understanding of the correct treatment approach for a patient presenting with homologous recombination–deficient advanced ovarian cancer was demonstrated in 90% of oncologists and 74% of obstetrician-gynecologists. Confidence in the ability to integrate PARP inhibitors into practice improved in both groups, with a total average confidence shift of 14% for oncologists and 29% for obstetrician-gynecologists. Overall, 47% of participants reported that they would modify treatment plans as a result of participation in the activity.
Researchers concluded that this on-demand, online video panel discussion resulted in a positive educational impact. Education gaps were identified, especially among obstetrician-gynecologists. As online medical education has become increasingly utilized during the COVID-19 pandemic, educational support in this form regarding the implementation of new treatment strategies will be increasingly important.
Abstract 305. ESGO 2020.
Learn more about our family of publications.
View Our Publications