THU0582 EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT OF REFRACTORY GOUT: EFFECT OF ONLINE CONTINUING EDUCATION ON RHEUMATOLOGISTS’ KNOWLEDGE
Background:Gout is a chronic condition with a considerable effect on patient health and quality of life. Despite the availability of multiple pharmacologic treatments and evidence-based management guidelines, treatment targets are often not achieved in patients with gout. Identification and optimal management of patients with severe or refractory gout is specially challenging.Objectives:The objective of this study was to determine if an online, continuing education activity could improve knowledge of rheumatologists regarding strategies to ensure effective and safe use of urate-lowering therapies in the management of patients with refractory gout.Methods:Educational design included an online, 30-minute, video-based discussion among two faculty experts with synchronized slides. Educational effectiveness was assessed with a repeated-pairs pre-/post-assessment study design using 3 knowledge questions and 1 confidence question, in which each individual served as his/her own control. A chi-squared test assessed differences from pre- to post-assessment. P values <.05 are statistically significant. Cramer’s V was used to calculate the effect size (<0.06 modest effect; 0.06-0.15 noticeable effect; 0.16-0.26 considerable effect; >0.26 extensive effect). The activity launched May 1, 2019, with data collected through December 30, 2019.Results:The analysis set consisted of responses from rheumatologists (n=300) who answered all assessment questions during the study period. Analysis of pre- vs post-intervention responses demonstrated a significant improvement in overall knowledge of rheumatologists with considerable educational impact (V = .201, P<.001). Average correct responses increased from 54% pre to 74% post education. Specific areas of improvement in knowledge include:•Optimal strategies for reducing the risk for immunogenicity associated with the use of pegloticase in patients with refractory gout (40% pre, 73% post; P<.001; V = .326)•Serum uric acid targets to optimize management of the patient with severe or refractory gout (45% pre, 57% post; P<.05; V = .120)•Selection of pegloticase for rapid decreases in tophi and serum uric acid in patients with refractory gout (77% pre, 91% post; P<.001; V = .187)Post-education, 32% of rheumatologists were more confident in their ability to manage patients with refractory gout.Conclusion:This study demonstrated the success of online, 30-minute, video-based discussion among two faculty experts with synchronized slides on improving the knowledge of rheumatologists regarding appropriate management of patients with refractory gout.Disclosure of Interests:None declared