(201) Advancing ENT and Allergist Expertise in Management of Complex CRSwNP Through Interactive Case-Based Education

Introduction: As treatment for CRSwNP continues to evolve, clinicians who treat these patients need ongoing education about when to recommend, how to combine, and how to sequence surgical and pharmacological options, including biologic therapies.

Methods: We developed a multi-component livestreamed and on-demand educational curriculum featuring complex patient cases aimed to improve clinicians’ knowledge and competence related to treatment planning for patients with CRSwNP. US-based otolaryngologists, allergists/immunologists, nurse practitioners, and physician associates participated in an accredited medical education activity. The program featured a series of case reviews and discussion between an expert ENT and allergist. Pre- and post-activity assessments measured learner knowledge, competence, and confidence in management of CRSwNP, as well as intent to change and patient impact.

Results: To date, 3,500 clinicians have participated in the education. Overall, knowledge and competence increased across all measures; the largest improvement was related to learner competence in personalizing treatment selection in patients with CRSwNP and comorbid disease (117% improvement relative to a 46% baseline score; p=.001). Additionally, positive change was seen amongst all learner specialists, with NPs and PAs demonstrating the greatest improvement in knowledge and competence (140% relative to a 33% baseline score and 150% relative to a baseline score of 22%, respectively; p=.001 for both). Overall, learners were able to identify the role of endoscopic sinus surgery and appropriate use of biologics to treat CRSwNP; however, they showed minimal improvement on some questions on treatment sequencing and patient selection. The majority of learners cited patient concerns about treatment as a barrier.

Conclusions: Case-based education improved knowledge and competence related to management of complex patients with CRSwNP. It also highlighted persisting practice gaps and educational needs among ENTs, allergists, and other clinicians that can be used to tailor future educational efforts.