Targeted Menopause Education Improves Primary Care Clinician Confidence, Identifies Key Knowledge Gaps

A structured, case-based menopause education program significantly improved primary care clinician confidence in managing menopause-related care, while also identifying critical gaps in knowledge that may affect patient outcomes, according to a study published in Menopause.¹

The program, delivered through the Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) model, engaged 54 clinicians across diverse practice settings and demonstrated measurable gains in clinical confidence alongside high satisfaction with curriculum relevance and applicability.¹

“This study highlights how effective structured educational programs can be in closing the gaps in menopause education. The Menopause Society is committed to and already working toward significantly expanding our educational initiatives to provide clinicians with the tools they need to provide evidence-based care to midlife women,” Stephanie Faubion, MD, medical director for The Menopause Society, said in a press release.²

Confidence improved across all measured domains

Participants reported significant improvements in confidence related to menopause care, with mean scores increasing from 2.0–2.6 before the program to 3.7–3.9 after completion (scale 1–5; P < 0.01 for all comparisons).

The program consisted of 12 sessions combining brief didactic lectures with case-based discussions, a format that clinicians rated highly for being evidence-based, objective, and clinically relevant, with Likert scores of 5.3–5.5 on a 6-point scale.

Notably, 95% of respondents reported they were likely to apply new knowledge in patient care, and 59% had already shared insights with colleagues, suggesting downstream effects on clinical practice.

Case-based learning drove practice-relevant changes

Clinicians reported anticipated changes in care delivery, including:

• Reduced reliance on specialist referrals
• Greater confidence diagnosing perimenopause
• Increased use of risk stratification tools
• Improved comfort initiating and monitoring therapy

Participants also cited barriers such as limited visit time and insurance constraints, which may affect implementation of new knowledge.

Key educational gaps identified

Despite overall success, the study identified several areas where clinicians require additional training:

• Sexual dysfunction
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Weight management
• Breast health

These topics emerged from qualitative analysis of case discussions and participant feedback, reflecting the complexity of menopause care in patients with comorbid conditions.

Investigators noted that traditional curricula often focus on uncomplicated menopause cases, whereas real-world patients frequently present with multiple chronic conditions, requiring more nuanced management strategies. They concluded that while foundational menopause education is highly relevant, “greater depth and complexity” are required to meet the needs of practicing clinicians.

References:

1. Clark AL, Brandis L, Hyde S, et al. Tailoring menopause education to the needs of primary care clinicians: the Oregon menopause ECHO experience. Menopause. 2026 Apr 7. doi:10.1097/GME.0000000000002786
2. The Menopause Society. Tailored Menopause Education Strengthens Clinician Confidence and Quality of Care. News release. April 8, 2026. Accessed April 28, 2026. https://menopause.org/press-releases/tailored-menopause-education-strengthens-clinician-confidence-and-quality-of-care