From Familiar to Foundational: CME-Informed Learning Needs in Dermatologic Management of CSU, AD, and PN
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Keywords
CME, educational outcomes, chronic spontaneous urticaria, atopic dermatiits, prurigo nodularis, itch, dermatology, learning needs
Abstract
Introduction The immunological etiology of the itch-related dermatoses, chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), atopic dermatitis (AD), and prurigo nodularis (PN), has led to the development of several targeted therapeutic strategies. This has created the need for dermatology clinicians to stay abreast of evolving care approaches. To meet this educational need, CMEsquared® developed a year-long curriculum encompassing educational initiatives on CSU, AD, and PN management. These initiatives were supported by independent medical educational grants from Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, and Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Methods: Nine educational initiatives (5 CSU, 4 AD/PN) were launched between October 2024 and March 2025. The live, expert-led symposia occurred at the 2024 Fall Clinical Dermatology Conference® and 2025 Winter Clinical Dermatology Conferences®- Miami and Hawaii and were endured on Dermsquared.org for 12 months. Aggregate data on learner demographics, intended practice changes, and practice barriers were evaluated. Qualitative, thematic analysis of learner questions was performed using ChatGPT (OpenAI) and verified/adapted by the researchers.
Results As of August 2025, 5,383 clinician learners participated in the live and endured activities. Across all activities, ‘Treatment’ changes were the top intended practice change, and subsequent qualitative, thematic analysis of learner questions related to CSU and AD/PN treatment revealed differences in clinician interests. CSU learners were most interested in stepwise treatment algorithms that clarify integration of standard-of-care antihistamines with novel systemic therapies, while AD/PN learners were primarily focused on appropriate selection of systemic therapies. In CSU, diagnosis, pathophysiology and comorbidities were also a priority. In AD/PN, learners were interested in differentiating both disorders, safety of systemic therapies, and patient counseling to address psychosocial burden.
Conclusion Clinician education must be tailored to current clinical gaps for each dermatosis. The increasing role of dermatology clinicians as front-line treaters of CSU necessitates education on foundational knowledge and the place of systemic therapies in the current treatment paradigm. Conversely, clinicians’ longer-standing familiarity with AD and PN necessitates education about patient-centered approaches to care that are focused on improving quality of life.
References
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