*This information was originally published as part of an abstract for the 2025 AAAAI/WAO Joint Congress* 

Understanding Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps and the Unmet Patient Need

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a chronic condition where growths called polyps form in the nose and sinuses, often due to underlying type 2 inflammation. CRSwNP can cause severe congestion, facial pain and pressure, and loss of smell, impairing quality of life and making daily tasks more difficult.  

For years, surgery was the main treatment for CRSwNP, and many patients still benefit from it. But polyps return and before the advent of biologics, treatment choices were limited. Today, biologics offer a targeted approach by addressing the underlying inflammation. They can reduce polyp size and improve sense of smell. However, many clinicians and patients remain unfamiliar with these treatments, underscoring the need for education.

The Medlive Approach 

Medlive joined forces with the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) to develop a digital education initiative. This program featured two “tethered” live and on-demand video-based content tracks—one tailored to healthcare professionals (HCPs) and the other to patients and caregivers—providing essential information about biologics currently approved for treatment of nasal polyps including their benefits and common barriers to adoption.  

The patient program, “Making Your Voice Heard: Could Your Nasal Polyps Benefit from a Biologic Medicine?”, included a 60-minute online session (divided into four chapters) launched via Medlive together with social media videos, shared via Facebook and Instagram, all designed to educate patients and caregivers on biologic treatments.  

The HCP programs, “Caring for Patients with Nasal Polyps in 2023: When to Consider a Biologic or Surgery?” and “Surgery or Biologic for Nasal Polyps? A Close Look at the Evidence”, included an online endured educational activity (split into four 15-minute sessions), one 60-minute live-online and endured activity available on Medlive together with several targeted micro-learning videos released via LinkedIn. The education was targeted to ENTs, allergists/immunologists, specialty NPs and PAs, and other clinicians involved in the management of patients with CRSwNP. 

Program Goals 

The patient program aimed to help patients understand how NPs grow, the impact of new biologic medications can have on NPs, how to discuss treatment options with their doctor to determine if a biologic medication is right for them, and what to expect from treatment.  

The first HCP initiative focused on the disease burden and treatment landscape for people with CRSwNP; the link between the disease and underlying T2 inflammatory pathways and how these can inform treatment; and recent recommendations for managing uncontrolled, severe NPs with surgery or biologics. 

The second HCP initiative  explored the inflammatory connections between NPs and T2-driven comorbidities, the safety and efficacy of targeted therapies for moderate-to-severe CRSwNP, and patient-specific factors that predict NP recurrence after standard treatment, including surgery. 

Data Analysis 

4,534 learners participated in the clinician education and 23,737 learners participated in the patient education. Outcomes from the patient initiative included analyses of engagement (platform views, social media views), present knowledge and attitudes, perceived barriers, intended behavior changes, and self-reported behavior changes. Outcomes from the HCP education included analyses of engagement (CME participants, learners, and completers; micro-learning completers), changes in knowledge and competence, intended practice changes, and self-reported practice changes. 

Key takeaways from the analyses included: 

  • Clinician education improved biologic treatment knowledge: ENTs and allergists showed an overall 36% increase in understanding of T2 inflammation in CRSwNP. Recognition of recent findings on biologic efficacy improved even more, with a 41% average increase across both groups.  
  • Patient education led to increased awareness and interest: 79% of patients were previously unaware of biologic options, suggesting that their asthma HCP had not mentioned them. Further, 43% reported being unsatisfied with their CRSwNP treatment. However, post-activity data showed a notable shift, with 45% of participants expressing intent to discuss biologics with their HCPs. 
  • Identifying barriers to biologic adoption: Clinicians reported that their most common challenges with biologics for patients with CRSwNP were insurance preauthorization issues (56%) and high out-of-pocket costs (53%). Additionally, 19% of clinicians reported discomfort managing patients on biologics, and 11% said their patients expressed concerns about efficacy and safety.  These insights will be useful for planning further high-impact education. 

Conclusion – Collaborating for Improved Patient Outcomes 

These findings highlight the crucial role of education in closing knowledge gaps, overcoming barriers, and empowering both clinicians and patients to make informed treatment decisions. By improving awareness and confidence in biologic therapies, we can enhance CRSwNP care and patient outcomes. 

If you’d like to learn more about working with Medlive to deliver your next CME program, e-mail hello@medlive.com to get-in-touch. 

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About Medlive  

Medlive is the leader in learner engagement and educational design for clinicians, patients, and caregivers seeking dynamic, up-to-date, accurate medical education. Medlive provides trusted digital health education from leading specialists and advocacy/partner organizations to empower audiences to make informed medical decisions that lead to better health outcomes. 

Visit Medlive.com for more information.