Shari J. Dermer, PhD1, Jovana Lubarda, PhD1, Freddy Green, MSc1, Katie Lucero, PhD1, Rena Yadlapati, MD2, C. Prakash Gyawali, MD, FACG3, Joel J. Heidelbaugh, MD, FACG4 1Medscape Education, Newark, NJ; 2University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA; 3Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO; 4University of Michigan Medical School, Superior Township, MI Introduction: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a highly prevalent and chronic gastrointestinal disorder that is managed by various healthcare providers. Diagnosis and classification of GERD help inform treatment selection. The goal of this study was to investigate if participation in online certified medical education (CME) featuring video discussions with synchronized slides resulted in changes in treatment selection among learners in comparison to a matched control cohort. Methods: A retrospective, pre/post, test/control study examined changes in the evaluation and treatment of patients with GERD by NPI-certified gastroenterologists, PCPs, and NPs/PAs. The intervention group (CME) participated in a CME activity (n=700) and their practices were compared with a matched control group of non-learners (n=700) contained within the same clinician database. Learners and controls were matched based on total number of patients with GERD and/or heartburn, exposed month, specialty, and geography. The intervention period was June to September 2024 and data were collected from July 2024 to March 2025. An independent t-test was used to assess significance (*P < .01). Results: We report on data from Gastroenterologists (CME, n=166 ; Control, n=166 ), PCPs (CME, n=300 ; Control, n=300), and NP/PAs (CME, n=234 ; Control, n=234). A total of 6,656 patients with GERD or heartburn were seen by clinicians in the CME cohort during the evaluation period.
19%* more patients with GERD or heartburn were referred to a gastroenterologist among the CME group (n=5586) compared to the Control group (n=4348).
11%* more patients with GERD or heartburn were referred for upper endoscopy and reflux testing in the CME group (n=358) versus the Control group (n=326).
4% more patients were diagnosed with Barret’s esophagus in the CME group (n=1181) compared to the Control group (n=1136).
21% more patients with GERD or heartburn were prescribed proton pump inhibitor (PPI) or potassium-competitive acid blocker (PCAB) therapy in the CME group (n=3690) versus the Control group (n=3047). Discussion: Participation in online CME led to changes in practice behavior related to the assessment and identification of patients who are candidates for treatment with PPIs or PCABs. The CME cohort had increased referrals, increased use of upper endoscopy and reflux testing, and increased use of PPIs or PCABs.
Disclosures: Shari Dermer indicated no relevant financial relationships. Jovana Lubarda indicated no relevant financial relationships. Freddy Green indicated no relevant financial relationships. Katie Lucero indicated no relevant financial relationships. Rena Yadlapati: Braintree – Consultant. Medtronic – Consultant. Phathom Pharmaceuticals – Consultant. Reckitt Benckiser – Consultant. RJSMediagnostix – Advisory Committee/Board Member. C. Prakash Gyawali: Alimentiv – Consultant. Braintree – Consultant. Carnot – Speakers Bureau. Medtronic – Consultant. Phathom – Consultant. Joel Heidelbaugh indicated no relevant financial relationships.
Shari J. Dermer, PhD1, Jovana Lubarda, PhD1, Freddy Green, MSc1, Katie Lucero, PhD1, Rena Yadlapati, MD2, C. Prakash Gyawali, MD, FACG3, Joel J. Heidelbaugh, MD, FACG4. P2805 - Certified Medical Education Leads to Changes in Clinical Practice Regarding Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, ACG 2025 Annual Scientific Meeting Abstracts. Phoenix, AZ: American College of Gastroenterology.
