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Small-group CME using e-mail discussions. Can it work?
J N Marshall1, M Stewart, T Ostbye
1Department of Family Medicine, University of Western Ontario, London. marshall@julian.uwo.ca
Canadian Family Physician Medecin De Famille Canadien
|April 3, 2001
Summary
Online case discussions using email show promise for increasing family physicians' access to current research. Further studies are needed to confirm if this method effectively changes clinical practice.
Area of Science:
- Continuing Medical Education (CME)
- Medical Informatics
- Family Medicine Research
Background:
- Traditional Continuing Medical Education (CME) methods are often ineffective in modifying physician behavior.
- Emerging technologies and innovative strategies offer potential solutions for improving CME effectiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate an online, case-based discussion program for family physicians using email.
- To increase awareness and utilization of evidence-based research in clinical practice.
- To promote the use of Internet-based resources for Continuing Medical Education (CME).
Main Methods:
- The Family medicine Education and Research Network (FERN) facilitated moderated, case-based discussions via email (FERN-D).
- Forty family physicians participated, receiving cases bi-weekly over a study period.
- Evaluation involved pre/post surveys, email feedback, and focus groups.
Main Results:
- Thirty-four participants completed the study.
- The online case-based discussion format was well-received by participants.
- Evidence suggests this approach encourages physicians to access current research.
Conclusions:
- Online, case-based discussions represent a promising strategy for enhancing family physicians' engagement with current research.
- Additional research is required to ascertain the impact of this method on actual changes in physician practice.