• Diana C Sanchez-Ramirez, Alexander G Singer, Leanne Kosowan, Alan Katz, and Christine Polimeni.
• Assistant Professor in the College of Rehabilitation Sciences in the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg.
• Can Fam Physician. 2022 Jan 1; 68 (1): 394639-46.

ObjectiveTo explore whether participation in a series of cardiology continuing medical education (CME) activities affects primary care providers' (PCPs') lipid management for their patients.DesignThis retrospective cohort study used a database of participation in cardiology CME activities (2011 to 2017) linked to electronic medical records. Statistical analyses were completed using logistic regression with generalized estimating equations.SettingManitoba.ParticipantsPatients receiving care from 225 PCPs participating in the Manitoba Primary Care Research Network.Main Outcome MeasuresRecommended lipid management was defined as prescription of statins (yes or no) among patients diagnosed with cardiovascular disease (CVD), patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (DM; 40 years or older), and patients diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD; 50 years and older) in 2017. Treatment was identified using the ATC (Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical) system (ATC code C10AA or C10B).ResultsAfter adjusting for relevant confounders, the odds of prescribing statins to patients with CVD, DM, or CKD among PCPs who did not participate in the cardiology CME activities were 50%, 55%, and 67% lower, respectively, than among PCPs who participated in 2 or more activities. The odds of prescribing statins to patients with CVD and DM among PCPs who participated in only 1 cardiology CME activity were also 67% and 63% lower, respectively, than among PCPs who participated in 2 or more activities.ConclusionResults suggested that PCPs who participated in 2 or more cardiology CME activities were more likely to prescribe recommended lipid management (statins) for adults with CVD, DM, or CKD.Copyright © 2022 the College of Family Physicians of Canada.

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