Influence of continuing medical education workshops on participant learning

The challenge of assessing the effectiveness of continuing medical education (CME) programs is formidable and intriguing. Two workshops on program factors affecting resident recruitment, conducted at annual meetings of the American Association of Directors of Psychiatric Residency Training, were evaluated for their influence on participant learning. Based on pre- and post-workshop questionnaires, participant perceptions and attitudes changed as a result of the workshop experience. The changes closely paralleled the planned and spontaneous discussion content. In describing the workshop-related changes, factors affecting residency program recruitment and aspects of CME program evaluation are discussed. A suggestion for enhancing workshop evaluations is incorporated.