Can a CME Program Prompt Timelier Screening for Diabetic Retinopathy?

Participating in a continuing medical education (CME) program had a meaningful, positive impact on screening for diabetic retinopathy, researchers concluded after conducting a recent analysis. The findings were presented by Katie Robinson, PhD, associate director, Medical Research and Quality Outcomes at Vindico Medical Education, during the American Diabetes Association’s 78th Scientific Sessions.

Vindico and staff from the Cole Eye Institute at the Cleveland Clinic developed a series of live, print, and web-based CME activities that emphasized timely referral of patients with diabetes for ophthalmic evaluation. Investigators looked at how the activities impacted referral within a closed network of endocrinologists and primary care physicians (PCPs). Among the results:

• At baseline, 96% of endocrinologists asked patients about ophthalmologic signs and symptoms; 71% of PCPs did so.
• There was a substantial delay in the time between initial visit and ophthalmologic follow-up (173 and 185 days, respectively).
• Post-activity, endocrinologists and PCPs reduced their gap between initial visit and ophthalmologic follow-up by 125 and 130 days, respectively.

Reference

Robinson K. The use of quality improvement continuing medical education to improve the evaluation of diabetic retinopathy. Talk presented at: ADA 78th Scientific Sessions; June 22-26, 2018; Orlando. https://plan.core-apps.com/tristar_ada18/abstract/807d2f9885450670bb994661e3770a48.