Objective: To assess the effectiveness of online Continuing Medical Education (CME) programs in improving knowledge, clinical decision-making, and competency in Parkinson’s disease (PD) management among healthcare professionals.

Background: PD is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder requiring multidisciplinary management. Ongoing medical education is crucial for healthcare providers to stay updated on emerging therapies and best practices. Online CME programs offer flexible, scalable learning opportunities, yet their impact on clinical competency and patient outcomes remains unclear.

Method: A systematic literature review was conducted across Cochrane, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Studies evaluating online CME interventions for PD were included. Data extraction focused on knowledge retention, skill acquisition, learner engagement, and the effectiveness of different instructional methods such as webinars, interactive case studies, and self-paced modules.

Results: A total of 48 studies met inclusion criteria. Online CME programs significantly improved knowledge scores (mean increase 32%, p<0.001) and clinical decision-making confidence (self-reported improvement 40%). Interactive case-based learning and expert-led discussions yielded the highest engagement rates. Barriers included digital literacy challenges, limited hands-on experience, and variability in content quality. Programs incorporating blended learning (online + in-person) showed superior long-term knowledge retention.

Conclusion: Online CME programs enhance PD-related knowledge and clinical competency among healthcare professionals. Future research should focus on optimizing instructional design, integrating simulation-based training, and ensuring accessibility for practitioners in low-resource settings.

« Back to 2025 International Congress

MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/development-and-evaluation-of-online-continuing-medical-education-cme-programs-focused-on-parkinsons-disease-a-systematic-review/