Abstract
Purpose
Studies have documented practice gaps in acne management between pediatricians and
dermatologists. Evidence-based recommendations for acne management were published
by the American Acne and Rosacea Society and the American Academy of Pediatrics in
2013. We assess the impact of a case-based learning intervention on pediatrician knowledge
and treatment of acne in accordance with published recommendations.
Methods
Participants were recruited at four conferences for pediatric providers. Knowledge
of the recommendations and confidence in utilizing them was assessed. Five case-based
questions were presented, with providers choosing acne treatments before, immediately
after, and 3 months after a case-based educational presentation. Answer selections
consistent with the recommendations were scored as correct, and all responses were
evaluated for patterns of medication selection.
Results
A total of 150 individuals participated, most with over 10 years experience. Knowledge
of the recommendations and confidence in prescribing acne therapy was poor. The average
preintervention management selections were 70% correct, increasing significantly to
86% 3 months after intervention (p < .01). The most significant improvements were demonstrated in provider's ability
to choose regimens for moderate acne consistent with published recommendations, and
in recommendation-consistent usage of retinoids and benzoyl peroxide (p < .05). Persisting practice gaps included a reluctance to use topical retinoids in
preadolescents and lack of initiating oral combination therapies in patients with
severe acne.
Conclusions
A case-based educational intervention significantly increased providers choosing acne
treatments in accordance with evidence-based recommendations in an examination setting.
Limitations of the study include an inability to assess actual provider prescribing
behavior through this methodology.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: September 13, 2016
Accepted:
July 9,
2016
Received:
March 17,
2016
Footnotes
Conflicts of Interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest or financial disclosures to report.
Identification
Copyright
© 2016 Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine. All rights reserved.
