Abstract
Purpose :
To determine if a virtual patient simulation (VPS)-based continuing medical education (CME) intervention could improve performance of ophthalmologists (Oph), primary care physicians (PCP) and pharmacists (Phm) in diagnosing and treating dry eye, applying the 2017 TFOS-DEWS-II guidelines.
Methods :
An online CME certified VPS program allowed learners to assess two patient cases, choosing from an extensive database of diagnostic and treatment possibilities matching scope and depth of actual practice. Instantaneous clinical guidance (CG) employing guideline and faculty recommendations was provided after each decision made, with revisions post-CG allowed, if desired. Each user’s baseline (pre-CG) decisions were recorded and compared to their post-CG decisions, using a 2-tailed paired t-test to determine p-values. CME launched 27 Feb 2018; data are reported through 8 May 2018.
Results :
556 Oph, 839 PCP, 960 Phm (case 1) and 234 Oph, 321 PCP, 730 Phm (case 2) met the participation criteria for completing the simulation during the study period. Oph, PCP and Phm improved significantly in successfully diagnosing mixed dry eye and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) on patient presentation and test results and tailoring treatment based on signs, symptoms and diagnoses.
Conclusions :
Accredited online VPS programs that immerse and engage clinicians in an authentic and practical learning experience can improve performance and aid guideline implementation for diagnosing and treating dry eye as well as provide insights into real world clinical practice. Our findings also show a continued need to educate about dry eye diagnosis and how to individualize treatment regimens to improve outcomes.
This abstract was presented at the 2019 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Vancouver, Canada, April 28 - May 2, 2019.