07.01.07
A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine in May suggests that many doctors may still be in the dark when it comes to dietary supplement regulations and adverse event reporting. Because consumers lack in-depth knowledge of dietary supplement regulations, researchers say they rely on physicians for education in this arena. The purpose of this study was to evaluate physicians’ level of understanding of dietary supplement regulation and the adverse event reporting process and to determine whether an interactive online curriculum could aid in improving knowledge. Researchers carried out a multi-center online educational intervention, which was developed and administered to physicians at 15 internal medicine residency programs throughout the U.S. between March 1st and June 30th last year. Pretest performance was used to measure baseline knowledge, while posttest performance compared with pretest performance measured the effectiveness of the educational intervention.
A total of 335 physicians completed the module. Ninety percent of those completing the module were residents, while 10% were attending physicians. Baseline knowledge of dietary supplement regulatory issues was poor. The total average pretest score was only 59% (986/1675). However, the average score rose to 91% (1526/1675) after the physicians completed the curriculum. With regard to specific content areas, about one-third of physicians were unaware that serious adverse events due to the use of supplements should be reported through the FDA MedWatch system. Researchers concluded that physician knowledge of dietary supplement regulation and adverse event reporting is poor. But, they believe an online didactic module may improve knowledge and potentially enhance patient-physician communication regarding the use of such products.
A total of 335 physicians completed the module. Ninety percent of those completing the module were residents, while 10% were attending physicians. Baseline knowledge of dietary supplement regulatory issues was poor. The total average pretest score was only 59% (986/1675). However, the average score rose to 91% (1526/1675) after the physicians completed the curriculum. With regard to specific content areas, about one-third of physicians were unaware that serious adverse events due to the use of supplements should be reported through the FDA MedWatch system. Researchers concluded that physician knowledge of dietary supplement regulation and adverse event reporting is poor. But, they believe an online didactic module may improve knowledge and potentially enhance patient-physician communication regarding the use of such products.