The online continuing medical education (CME) activity consisted of a 30-minute video discussion with synchronized slides between two MS experts. In order to improve learner engagement, the discussion was broken into subsections that were time-limited. A debate occurred between the two experts for each hot topic item within each subsection. ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉúal effect was assessed by comparing neurologists’/PCPs’ responses to four identical questions presented before and directly after exposure to education. McNemar’s test identified differences between pre- and post-assessment responses. Cramer’s V calculated the effect size of the online education. Data were collected between June 23, 2018, and July 24, 2018.

Participation in the CME intervention resulted in a considerable educational effect size among neurologists (n=312; V=.192) and PCPs (n=168; V=.199). The following areas showed significant (P <0.05) pre- to post-educational improvements: knowledge of the FDA-approved therapy for primary progressive MS; monitoring required during initial fingolimod administration (significant for PCPs only); number of oligoclonal bands necessary to diagnose MS according to the updated McDonald criteria. Overall, 24% of neurologists and 35% of PCPs reported an increase in confidence in recognizing the transition from relapsing to progressive MS as a result of participating in this activity.  

The results indicate that the CME-certified 30-minute video discussion was effective at improving knowledge regarding recent data on the diagnosis and management of MS. Future education efforts should continue to address new data relevant to the care of patients with MS.