Improving Provider Knowledge and Confidence Regarding the Diagnosis and Management of Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is one of the most prevalent autoimmune conditions worldwide, affecting 1% of the population or 80 million people. Yet, literature estimates 80% of patients with celiac disease have not received a diagnosis. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to increase nurse practitioner students’ knowledge of celiac disease and confidence in caring for patients with celiac disease. This project utilized a quasi-experimental approach with a pre-posttest design. The results showed statistically significant increases in both knowledge and confidence from the pre- to the post-test, at p=<.001 for both. All of the participants demonstrated increased knowledge test scores and 83% reported increased confidence following the education intervention. The participants developed Commitment to Change statements to reflect on tangible ways they intended to use the knowledge gained in practice. A limitation is that the project participants self-reported their perceived confidence level before and after completing the education course and could have over- or underestimated this value. The results of this project indicate that virtual, scenario-based continuing education is an effective way to increase provider knowledge and confidence related to celiac disease.