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If formal CME is ineffective, why do physicians still participate?
1McGill University Centre for Medical Education, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. peter.mcleod@muhc.mcgill.ca
Medical Teacher
|June 19, 2004
Summary
Formal continuing medical education (CME) remains popular among physicians for professional and personal reasons. Optimizing CME with adult learning principles and marketing can enhance its effectiveness and complement informal learning.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Continuing Professional Development
Background:
- Formal continuing medical education (CME) faces criticism regarding adult learning principles and impact on practice.
- Existing negative evidence on formal CME's impact is considered limited in scope and strength.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the continued relevance and physician motivations for attending formal CME.
- To address criticisms by proposing improvements for formal CME design and delivery.
Main Methods:
- Survey of 853 practicing physicians regarding their attendance and motivations for formal CME.
- Analysis of physician responses to understand the perceived value and criticisms of formal CME.
Main Results:
- A significant number of physicians continue to regularly attend formal CME courses.
- Physicians are motivated by specific professional needs and personal reasons to attend formal CME.
- Formal CME is perceived as popular despite ongoing critiques.
Conclusions:
- Formal CME remains a valuable component of physician education.
- Enhancing formal CME through attention to perceived needs, marketing, and adult learning principles can ensure successful delivery.
- Formal CME can effectively complement physician-driven informal learning.