Improving Type 2 Diabetes Patient Health Outcomes with Individualized Continuing Medical Education for Primary Care

INTRODUCTION: This study provided physicians with continuing medical education (CME) related to type 2 diabetes and evaluated the effect on patient health outcomes. METHODS: Physicians participated in multi-platform CME (live and online programs) and completed a 25 item questionnaire for patient baseline (3-months pre-CME activity) and follow-up visits (≥6-months post-CME activity). Changes in physician knowledge and patient health outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: 34 physicians completed both phases of the CME curricula and submitted data for 264 patients. Significant improvements were observed in physician knowledge after the live (p < 0.05) and online programs (p < 0.0005). Mean patient glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) absolute reduction of 1.15% (p < 0.0001) was reported. CONCLUSIONS: CME is an effective tool to close established practice gaps and potentially help improve patient health outcomes.