Engaging Continuing Medical Education Reveals Persisting Knowledge and Practice Gaps in FLT3-Positve AML

Introduction: Given the rapid evolution of testing and treatment of FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3)-positive AML, oncology providers are challenged by how to administer the latest evidence-based care. Additionally, while the use of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) can improve patient care, they are underutilized in oncology practice An interactive continuing medical education (CME) activity was provided to assess baseline attitudes and practice patterns while also addressing identified gaps in knowledge and skills regarding the management of patients with FLT3-positive AML.

Methods: Vindico Medical Education provided a web-based CME activity available on myCME.com and for credit from December 31, 2021 to December 30, 2022. The activity included opportunities for interaction with the content to encourage engagement, transfer knowledge, improve confidence, and assess current practice patterns. Impact of education was measured by comparing paired pre- and post-test responses.

Results: As of July 2022, 216 hematology/oncology providers who each see an average of 8 patients with AML per month participated in the education. These providers scored an average 26% on a pretest for topics related to the evaluation of patients with AML the impact of FLT3 mutations on prognosis and management, and the use of PROs in practice. Post-learning, providers scored 49%, highlighting the impact of the education on knowledge gaps, but also demonstrating persisting gaps. Specifically, post-test scores remained lowest regarding the implications of FLT3 mutations on patient outcomes and treatment strategies for these patients. Notably, while 65% of these providers indicated that they were guessing on the pre-test, the percentage of those who were confident and correct on the post-test rose from 1% to 18%, demonstrating a sharp rise in confidence. However, these persisting knowledge and confidence gaps translated to practice gaps - only 40% currently report performing mutational analysis at relapse for patients with AML. Moreover, only 51% were familiar with FLT3 MRD testing and providers lacked consensus regarding first- and subsequent-line treatment for FLT3-positive patients. Forty-seven percent noted an uncertainty regarding optimal combinations and sequencing as the primary challenge they face when selecting treatment for these patients. While knowledge and confidence scores regarding the use of PROs were high, only 16% always use PROs in practice, with patient non-compliance as the biggest barrier to implementation.

Conclusion: Hematology/oncology providers lack knowledge and confidence regarding testing and management of patients with FLT3-positive AML, which translates to practice gaps. While the use of interactive CME led to robust gains in knowledge and confidence, further education is needed to address persisting gaps regarding testing and management of patients with FLT3-positive AML. Moreover, skills-based training and patient resources are needed to facilitate the use of PROs in clinical practice.

Levis:AbbVie, Amgen, Astellas, Bristol Myers Squibb, Daiichi-Sankyo, FujiFilm, Jazz Pharmaceuticals, and Menarini: Consultancy; Astellas, and FujiFilm: Research Funding.