Continuing education and New Zealand anaesthetists: an analysis of current practice and future needs

A survey of Continuing Medical Education (CME) of New Zealand anaesthetists was undertaken to identify current patterns of participation, usefulness of different activities, evidence of effectiveness, motivators and barriers to participation and to define future CME needs. The response rate was 74% and showed high levels of participation in a range of CME activities. Ratings for usefulness differed significantly between these activities. Respondents identified specific changes they had made to their practice as a result of CME, providing strong evidence for its effectiveness. Anaesthetists valued interactive methods of learning that were relevant to clinical practice. The most commonly reported motivators for participation were accreditation requirements and keeping up to date, while other work commitments were the commonest impediment. In this survey, interactive educational interventions were seen as useful, a finding consistent with systematic reviews of the effectiveness of CME in changing physician behaviour. Such reviews conclude that there is no evidence that conferences are effective in changing physician behaviour, yet respondents to this survey attributed many changes in practice to their attendance at a conference. Analysis of the needs of NZ anaesthetists supports increasing the number of workshops and interactive sessions and promoting smaller meetings and practice-based activities. The survey provides a basis for designing a future program of CME for New Zealand.