Priorities for continuing education in geriatrics: perceptions among various groups

The authors of this article have been involved in organizing and presenting continuing education (CE) programs for a number of years. In particular, a 48-hour professional CE program in geriatrics for nonphysicians has been taught throughout a Midwestern state for 16 years. In an ongoing effort to determine which topics are of utmost importance, a survey was administered to 146 program participants (composed primarily of frontline practitioners) and 66 geriatrics experts in spring 2008.The two-fold purpose of the study was to compare perceptions among various groups regarding the most relevant training and CE needs for professionals in geriatrics, and to use those perceptions in establishing a core set of topics to meet those needs. The results indicate there is general agreement between experts and participants on a core set of topics that are of highest priority. However, several topics revealed sharp differences of opinion between experts and program participants.