Effectiveness of Online Medical Education at Improving Physician Knowledge, Competence and Confidence in Identifying Patients Who May Benefit from Novel Therapies for Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder

Physicians are challenged to fully understand the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD) and identify the role of novel therapies. Individualizing treatment for patients with MDD continues to be a challenge as they often do not respond to typical first line treatments that are currently available. This study examined whether online CME could improve the knowledge, confidence and competence of psychiatrists and PCPs in better understanding the pathophysiology of MDD and identifying patients who may benefit from novel therapies.

This intervention was comprised of a video discussion between 3 expert faculty. Educational effect was assessed using a repeated-pair design with pre/post-assessment. Multiple choice questions assessed knowledge, and 1, rated on a Likert-type scale, assessed confidence.

The analysis set consisted of responses from psychiatrist (n=1490) and PCP (n=298) learner groups who answered all assessment questions during the study period. Analysis of pre- vs. post-intervention responses demonstrated a significant improvement in overall knowledge; average correct responses increased from 68% (pre) to 78% (post) in the Psychiatrist learner group and from 53% to 63% in the PCP learner group (P < .001). Post-education, 30% of psychiatrists and 31% of PCPs had a measurable increase in their confidence in understanding the pathophysiology of MDD and identify patients who could benefit from a novel antidepressant.

This study demonstrated the success of online video panel discussion CME at improving the knowledge, confidence and competence of psychiatrists and PCPs in their understanding of the pathophysiology of MDD and identify how novel therapies may fit into an individualized care plan.