CME activity featuring medical animation highlights the improvement in clinicians' knowledge and competence about Janus kinase inhibitors used to treat atopic dermatitis

Health Care Problem: In recent years, Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors have emerged as a new treatment option for long-term control of atopic dermatitis (AD). With one agent approved by the FDA and others in late-stage clinical development, dermatology professionals and other HCPs who treat AD were in need of education regarding this class of therapeutics. Considering the novelty of utilizing JAK inhibitors to treat AD, clinicians' overall lack of knowledge and experience regarding these new therapies, and the increasing need for optimal long-term control of atopic disease, it was determined that targeted education was needed to help address clinicians' gaps in knowledge and competence.

Educational Strategy:

This CME activity was designed to utilize a combination of didactic lectures and medical animation to provide much-needed information about the JAK inhibitors designed to treat patients with atopic dermatitis. Expert dermatology professionals who were involved in the clinical trials for JAK inhibitors used to treat AD were employed to develop targeted educational materials covering the existing treatment options for AD, as well as the mechanism of action, safety, and efficacy, surrounding JAK inhibitors as a new addition to the treatment armamentarium. In addition to developing didactic presentations of the education, the expert faculty also aided in the development of a medical animation video depicting the JAK-STAT pathway, the function of JAK inhibitors in the treatment of AD, and the distinction between the various emerging JAK inhibitor treatment options. This animated video was used to reinforce concepts presented during the didactic lectures and provide a visual learning tool for participants to further ensure comprehension of this relatively novel mechanism of action. By enhancing participants' understanding of this new class of therapeutics, they would be better equipped to implement these agents safely and effectively as well as educate their patients and healthcare team as to the best prescribing methods. This enduring activity was available from March 11, 2022, to March 11, 2023, utilizing an online platform with Medscape as an audience generation partner to further the reach of the education. A test was administered prior to and following the activity to measure changes in knowledge and competence.

Patient-Level Outcome(s) Measured:

A total of 9,926 healthcare professionals, among whom 49% were MD/DOs and 51% were advanced practice providers (PAs, RNs, NPs, PharmDs), participated in this activity (participants), and 1,592 of these professionals completed the assessment questions and subsequent evaluation (completers).  A Chi-Square test was used to analyze the percentage of correct responses and determine statistical significance (p < 0.05 indicated statistical significance). A statistically significant increase in knowledge about the efficacy and safety of existing treatments for AD, as well as the mechanisms of action and clinical data surrounding the new and emerging JAK inhibitors for long-term AD management (188% and 186%, respectively) was observed. A statistically significant increase in competence about developing individualized treatment plans to optimize long-term control of moderate-to-severe AD (130% increase compared to baseline) was also observed. Furthermore, 37% of completers indicated their intention to make changes to their practice, including to improve patient education surrounding JAK inhibitors and consider the use of both oral and topical JAK inhibitors to treat patients with AD, and 30% of completers indicated their intention to seek additional education on this topic. Additionally, 95% of completers agreed that the educational activity improved their overall knowledge surrounding atopic dermatitis. Written feedback from completers included statements such as, "JAK inhibitors are no longer frightening to me" and "Very informative and interesting presentation which enhanced my knowledge regarding emerging therapies for AD".