Does hands-on CME in gynaecologic procedures alter clinical practice?

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Family Medicine
• Women's Health

Background:

• Hysterectomy rates for benign uterine conditions were high and variable in Ontario during the 1990s.
• Translating evidence into clinical practice remains a challenge in healthcare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of an interactive skill development program on family physicians' medical management of benign uterine conditions.
• To assess if enhanced training influences clinical practice patterns.

Main Methods:

• 138 family physicians participated in 50 experiential workshops on IUD insertion, endometrial sampling, and pessary fitting from 2005-2007.
• A control group of physicians billing the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (2003-2007) was used for comparison.

Main Results:

• Family physicians attending the workshops demonstrated increased rates of target procedures post-participation.
• The number of physicians offering these medical interventions also rose among cases but not controls.

Conclusions:

• Peer-delivered, evidence-based information combined with hands-on practice is effective for continuing medical education (CME).
• This educational model successfully improved clinical care by translating evidence into practice for managing benign uterine conditions.