IMPACT OF CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION ON CLINICIAN KNOWLEDGE AND CONFIDENCE IN CETP INHIBITION FOR LDL-C REDUCTION IN HEFH

Abstract

Therapeutic Area

ASCVD /CVD Risk Reduction

Background

Heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) remains a high-risk condition for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), necessitating effective LDL-C reduction strategies beyond statins. Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibition has emerged as a promising adjunct therapy. This study evaluates the impact of an accredited continuing medical education (CME) program on clinician knowledge and confidence in CETP inhibition for LDL-C management in HeFH.

Methods

A CME program titled Latest Developments in LDL-C Reduction with CETP Inhibition in HeFH: Unpacking New Evidence was launched on December 20, 2024, and evaluated through January 31, 2025. Participants included cardiologists (n=112) and primary care physicians (PCPs) (n=156). Knowledge and competence were assessed through pre- and post-education assessments, with statistical significance measured via paired t-tests and Cohen’s d effect sizes. Confidence shifts were also analyzed.

Results

Knowledge Gains:

• ○
  Rationale for non-statin LDL-C lowering in HeFH: 10% of cardiologists and 14% of PCPs improved their knowledge (P < .05).
• ○
  Clinical safety and efficacy of CETP inhibitors: 33% of cardiologists and 34% of PCPs improved (P < .01).

Confidence Gains:

• ○
  Confidence in implementing team-based LDL-C management strategies increased from 16% to 27% among cardiologists (P < .001) and from 9% to 17% among PCPs (P < .001).

Conclusions

This CME program significantly enhanced clinician knowledge and confidence in CETP inhibition for LDL-C reduction in HeFH. The findings highlight the need for continued education to support optimal integration of emerging lipid-lowering strategies into clinical practice.