Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 17, 2026
28:13
Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
33.9K
Impact of Web-Based Medical Education on Rhythm Control in Atrial Fibrillation: Retrospective Case-Control Analysis
Margaret Harris1, Katie S Lucero1, Nicholas Sidorovich1
1Medscape, LLC, Newark, NJ, USA.
Journal of CME
|September 18, 2025
Summary
Web-based continuing medical education (CME) improved physician knowledge, confidence, and competence regarding antiarrhythmic drug (AAD) therapy for atrial fibrillation (AF). This education also increased real-world AAD utilization among clinicians.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Education
Background:
- Antiarrhythmic drug (AAD) therapy is underutilized in atrial fibrillation (AF) despite guidelines.
- Web-based continuing medical education (CME) may improve practice, but its real-world impact is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of CME on physician knowledge, competence, and confidence in AAD therapy for AF.
- To assess the effect of CME on real-world AAD utilization.
Main Methods:
- Two-phase study: Phase 1 (pre/post) assessed CME outcomes in 207 US physicians. Phase 2 used claims data for a matched comparison of 501 physicians.
- Evaluated knowledge, competence, confidence, and AAD prescription patterns.
Main Results:
- Phase 1 showed significant improvements: 22% in AAD knowledge, 57% in competence, and 79% in confidence.
- Phase 2 indicated increased AAD use in the intervention group (3.20% vs 1.71% increase) compared to the control group.
- Overall, 6% more patients received AADs post-CME.
Conclusions:
- Web-based CME effectively enhances physician knowledge, competence, and confidence in AAD selection for AF.
- CME intervention led to increased real-world utilization of AADs in clinical practice.
Keywords:
Continuing medical educationatrial fibrillationevaluationmedical educationreal-world evidenceweb-based educationweb-based learningMore Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:25Dysrhythmias VI: Management of Dysrhythmias
433
Dysrhythmia management involves a multifaceted approach, incorporating pharmacological treatments, medical procedures, surgical interventions, lifestyle modifications, and patient education.Pharmacological ManagementAntiarrhythmic Drugs:Class I (Sodium Channel Blockers): This class includes quinidine and procainamide, which reduce the speed of impulse conduction in the heart, stabilize the cardiac membrane, and control arrhythmias. Quinidine and procainamide are Class IA agents that prolong the...
433
01:30Dysrhythmias V: Evaluating Dysrhythmias
331
Dysrhythmias, also known as arrhythmias, are disturbances in the heart's rhythm that range from benign to life-threatening. A thorough evaluation is crucial for appropriate management and involves a comprehensive medical history, physical examination, and various diagnostic tests.Medical HistorySymptoms: Collect detailed information on palpitations, dizziness, syncope, chest pain, and fatigue. Note their onset, frequency, and triggers.Previous Cardiac Issues: Document any history of heart...
331
01:30Pulse rhythm
1.3K
Pulse rhythm refers to the pattern of pulsations within specific intervals, offering valuable insights into the regularity or irregularity of the heart's beats as observed through the pattern of pulsation within specific intervals. A regular pulse exhibits a consistent heart rate with uniform waveforms and pulsation force, variations of which can be classified as normal, weak, or bounding.
Conversely, an irregular pulse pattern is termed dysrhythmia, stemming from disruptions in cardiac...
Conversely, an irregular pulse pattern is termed dysrhythmia, stemming from disruptions in cardiac...
1.3K
01:29Disturbances in Heart Rhythm
2.6K
Arrhythmia or dysrhythmia refers to an abnormal heart rhythm caused by a defect in the heart's conduction system. It can cause the heart to beat irregularly, too quickly, or too slowly, leading to symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting. Factors such as stress, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, certain drugs, congenital defects, diseases, and electrolyte abnormalities can trigger arrhythmias.
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
2.6K
01:14Decreased pulse rate
843
Bradycardia is a medical condition in which the heart rate is slower than normal. It occurs when the heart's natural pacemaker, the sinus node, generates slower electrical impulses than the standard rhythm. In adults, bradycardia is diagnosed when the pulse rate falls below 60 beats per minute, indicating a deviation from the normal heart rate range.
There are specific risk factors that can elevate the likelihood of developing bradycardia. Advanced age is a significant factor, with...
There are specific risk factors that can elevate the likelihood of developing bradycardia. Advanced age is a significant factor, with...
843
01:21Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management
289
Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) management can be divided into two main strategies: prevention and long-term management.Primary PreventionPrimary prevention focuses on timely diagnosis and management of group A streptococcal pharyngitis to prevent acute rheumatic fever. The most widely used antibiotic for treating this condition is intramuscular benzathine penicillin G.Acute Rheumatic Fever TreatmentThe primary treatment goal for a patient diagnosed with acute rheumatic fever is to suppress the...
289