Aims
To prepare GPs and evaluate the impact of blood-based biomarker testing for AD in primary care using the data collected to assist in implementation for future use.
Method
Recruitment of 200 GPs in Adelaide, Newcastle and north-east Melbourne to attend an on-line educational activity assessing knowledge of early AD through pre and post surveys Fifty GPs were to be recruited to participate in utilisation of the blood biomarker pTau 217 in their clinical practice.
Results
Of 218 GP’s recruited a greater than 30% increase in correct responses was seen for questions related to diagnostic tests for AD, causes of dementia and early symptoms. A 37% increase in mean confidence rating from 2.9 (0.85) to 4 (0.68) (5 = very confident) in their knowledge of mild cognitive impairment. The proportion of questions where over 90% of responses were correct increased from 29% to 79% post on-line education. Eighty-five GPs self-selected to utilise plasma pTau217 testing in their clinical practice and commenced participation in the diagnostic and confidence impact study phase.
Conclusions: the study has developed and applied an effective and efficient education package on early detection of AD to GPs. The next phase will evaluate the impact of the plasma pTau217 test on diagnostic accuracy and confidence in primary care and its potential for earlier diagnosis and reducing burden on secondary care