Using Web-Based Continuing Education to Improve New Diagnoses of Alzheimer Disease in Claims Data: Retrospective...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Medical Education

Background:

• Alzheimer disease (AD) diagnosis delays pose significant global healthcare challenges.
• Early AD diagnosis is critical for effective management, preserving cognitive function, and enhancing patient quality of life.
• Continuing medical education (CME), particularly web-based formats, can improve physician confidence and practice in diagnosing AD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of a web-based CME intervention on healthcare providers' confidence, competence, and real-world outcomes in diagnosing early AD.

Main Methods:

• A two-phase study design was utilized.
• Phase I involved pre-post assessments to measure immediate changes in knowledge and confidence post-CME.
• Phase II employed a retrospective, matched case-control study using claims data to evaluate CME's effect on AD diagnoses.

Main Results:

• A significant increase in the volume of AD diagnoses was observed post-CME (1-way ANOVA, P=.02).
• CME participants were 1.6 times more likely to diagnose AD than controls, estimating an annual net increase of 7939 diagnoses.
• Increased post-CME confidence correlated with a higher likelihood of diagnosing AD (OR 1.64, P=.09).

Conclusions:

• Web-based CME participation is linked to a rise in real-world Alzheimer disease diagnoses.
• The intervention enhances clinical skills and provider confidence, driving practice changes.
• This study provides a mechanism for how CME influences clinical practice and improves AD diagnosis rates.