Does a 30-minute online CME intervention improve clinicians' knowledge and confidence regarding preventive health strategies in menopause care?
717 clinicians, including obstetricians and gynecologists (n=153), primary care providers (n=221), and NPs/PAs (n=343).
A 30-minute online video-based, three-faculty panel discussion continuing medical education (CME) activity.
Pre-intervention baseline (repeated pairs pre-/post-assessment study design).
Improvement in clinicians' understanding of systemic health risks associated with menopause and their ability to apply preventive health strategies, measured via 3 multiple-choice knowledge questions and 1 self-efficacy 5-point Likert scale confidence question.
A 30-minute online CME activity significantly improved clinicians' knowledge and confidence regarding preventive health strategies during the menopause transition across multiple specialties.
Abstract Introduction The menopause transition marks a pivotal stage in women’s health, characterized by fluctuating estrogen levels and the eventual cessation of ovarian function. Beyond vasomotor and genitourinary symptoms, menopause is associated with a constellation of health risks that extend across multiple organ systems. The decline in estrogen accelerates bone loss, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures; alters lipid metabolism and vascular function, elevating cardiovascular disease risk; and contributes to adverse changes in body composition, insulin sensitivity, and metabolic health. Additionally, menopausal women face heightened vulnerability to cognitive decline, mood disorders, and sexual dysfunction, all of which can substantially impact quality of life. Early recognition of these interrelated risks allows clinicians to shift from reactive to preventive care. Through a multidisciplinary approach that integrates primary care, gynecology, endocrinology, and behavioral health, clinicians can help women navigate this transition with greater confidence and achieve sustained well-being throughout postmenopausal life. This CME intervention was designed to enhance understanding of health risks associated with the menopause and effective preventative health strategies for optimizing long-term health outcomes. Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of an online continuing medical education (CME) activity in improving clinicians’ understanding of the systemic health risks associated with menopause and their ability to apply preventive health strategies to optimize long-term outcomes in postmenopausal women. Additionally, this study aimed to identify clinical performance gaps and educational needs to guide future menopause-related education and support multidisciplinary, preventive care approaches. Methods The CME intervention comprised of a 30- minute online video-based, three-faculty panel discussion. Response to 3 multiple choice, knowledge questions 1 self-efficacy, 5-point Likert scale confidence question were analyzed using a repeated pairs pre-/post-assessment study design. Pre- to post responses were compared using a McNemar’s test to assess statistical significance (P .001 level). The activity posted on 7/16/20245; data were collected through 09/18/2025. Results The analysis set consisted of responses of obstetricians and gynecologists (n = 153), primary care providers (n = 221) and NPs/PAs (n = 343). Analysis demonstrated a significant improvement in knowledge and confidence in the role of preventative health care throughout the menopause transition. • 13% relative increase (78% pre v. 88% post, P .001) among obstetricians and gynecologist, 11% relative increase primary care providers (pre 81% v. post 90%, P .001), and 15% relative increase among NPs/PA (65% pre v. 75% post, P .001) in knowledge regarding key health risks associated with the menopause transition from perimenopause to post menopause • 9% relative increase (80% pre v. 87% post, P .001) among obstetricians and gynecologist, 11% relative increase primary care providers (pre 80% v. post 89%, P .001), and 14% relative increase among NPs/PAs (66% pre v. 75% post, P .001) in clinical importance of implementing preventative health strategies to optimize long-term health during the menopause transition from perimenopause to post menopause • 30% relative increase (47% pre v. 58% post, P .001) among obstetricians and gynecologist, 36% relative increase primary care providers (pre 21% v. post 33%, P .001), and 45% relative increase among NPs/PAs (17% pre v. 28% post, P .001) in confidence related to addressing women’s concerns transitioning from perimenopause to post menopause. Conclusions Participation in this CME activity significantly improved clinicians’ knowledge and confidence related to preventive health during the menopause transition. Across specialties, learners demonstrated meaningful gains in understanding key health risks associated with menopause, recognizing the clinical importance of early preventive strategies, and feeling more confident in addressing women’s concerns throughout the transition from perimenopause to post menopause. The greatest relative gains were observed among NPs and PAs, highlighting the value of targeted, interdisciplinary education in this area. These findings underscore the ongoing need for evidence-based, practical education that empowers all healthcare professionals to optimize long-term health outcomes for women navigating the menopause transition. Disclosure No.
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Samuel Thorpe
Pakinam Aboulsaoud
L Gardner
The Journal of Sexual Medicine
Medscape
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Thorpe et al. (Sun,) studied this question.
www.synapsesocial.com/papers/69d896676c1944d70ce07cb1 — DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/jsxmed/qdag063.118