Virtual Patient Simulation in Continuing Education: Improving the Use of Guideline-Directed Care in Venous Thromboembolism Treatment

Abstract

Results of a CME-certified activity completed by a total of 986 cardiologists and 783 haematologists-oncologists (haem-oncs) from around the world were examined to determine whether virtual patient simulation could improve decision-making and performance within the simulation related to patient evaluation, tailoring anticoagulant therapy, and patient management to improve adherence using patient-centred care strategies. Results showed a significant overall impact of education from pre- to post-clinical guidance (CG) on correct decisions made in both cases for cardiologists, with a relative improvement of 22% for Case 1 (45% pre- to 55% post-CG, n = 475, <i>t</i>(474) = 14.12, <i>P</i><.001, Cohen's d =.46) and 19% for Case 2 (62% pre- to 74% post-CG, n = 245, <i>t</i>(244) = 11.95, <i>P</i><.001, Cohen's d =.59). Impact also was seen for haem-oncs, with a relative improvement of 27% for Case 1 (45% pre- to 57% post-CG, n = 280, <i>t</i>(279) = 11.91, <i>P</i> <.001, Cohen's d =.60) and 19% for Case 2 (63% pre- to 75% post-CG, n = 147, <i>t</i>(146) = 9.52, <i>P</i> <.001, Cohen's d =.58). Virtual patient simulation improved cardiologists' and haem-oncs management of patients with pulmonary embolism in a simulated environment.