Assessing an online program’s effects on residents’ confidence to care for patients with or at risk of painful knee osteoarthritis

Abstract

Primary Care Physicians (PCPs) are frequently responsible for recognizing and managing patients’ knee osteoarthritis (KOA). However, they often feel underprepared. Studies show providing PCPs with education improves confidence in their knowledge and skills to effectively care for patients with KOA. It is unknown if educational programs could be similarly effective in medical trainees. To evaluate whether participation in an online educational program changes KOA-related confidence among Internal Medicine trainees enrolled in a large urban residency program. A program designed to improve learners’ knowledge, skills, and confidence in their abilities to recognize, diagnose, and manage patients with or at risk for KOA was offered to Internal Medicine trainees during their rheumatology rotation in the 2023–2024 academic year. A validated, 27-item instrument was administered before and after the educational program. The primary outcome was change in confidence related to knowledge and skills involved in caring for patients with or at risk for KOA. Pre- and post-program scores were compared using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. 24/36 Internal Medicine residents completed the online program between October 2023 and June 2024. Confidence in all KOA related domains showed statistically significant improvements after program completion. All participants agreed/strongly agreed that the program content was useful and relevant to their scope of practice. This online educational program improved Internal Medicine trainees’ confidence in their ability to recognize, diagnose, and manage KOA; whether this translates into improved patient care deserves further study.