2022-RA-1111-ESGO Case studies as a valuable tool to improve physician competence regarding identification of patients and selection of treatment for newly diagnosed advanced ovarian cancer

Introduction/BackgroundPoly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitor maintenance has helped shift the clinical landscape for patients with newly diagnosed advanced ovarian cancer over recent years. With an influx of clinical data and approvals within Europe it is paramount that physicians are aware of practically how to incorporate these treatment options into their clinical protocol to benefit eligible patients.MethodologyOncologists and gynecologists participated in an online, interactive clinical case-based educational activity providing clinicians with practical guidance on the optimal implementation of new PARP inhibitor maintenance regimens in clinical practice. Educational effect was assessed using a repeated-pair design with pre-/post-assessment. 3 multiple choice questions assessed competence, and 1 question rated on a Likert-type scale assessed confidence. Data were collected from 20/05/21 to 04/11/22.ResultsThe responses of 97 oncologists and 286 gynecologists, who answered all questions as part of the pre- and post-activity assessment during the study period were included in the analysis. Overall, 35% and 59% of oncologists and gynecologists, respectively, improved their competence across the activity. Specific improvements included: 20% of oncologists and 27% of gynecologists improving their competence related to selection of PARP inhibitor maintenance regimens. Statistically significant improvements (P<.001) for both oncologists and gynecologists in their competence related to selection of frontline treatment regimens. As a result of the education, 30% of the oncologists and 43% of gynecologists had a measurable increase in confidence in their ability to select therapy for patients with newly diagnosed ovarian cancer (P<0.001 for both specialties), which led to an average positive confidence shift of 47% for oncologists and 63% for gynecologists.ConclusionThis study demonstrated the effectiveness of an online, interactive, case-based educational activity on improving competence and confidence of oncologists and gynecologists in practically incorporating PARP inhibitor maintenance regimens into the treatment paradigm for patients with newly diagnosed advanced ovarian cancer.