Effect of continuing education: do attendees implement the tools that are taught?

Educators are being challenged to show how participants implement in practice the objectives and outcomes of what they learn in professional development activities. Continuing education (CE) departments are being called on to document that the offerings are making a difference in practice. Participants described efforts to implement mindfulness processes after a CE workshop on managing the unexpected.

A mixed-methods approach was used. Qualitative and quantitative data were used to assess whether participants implemented mindfulness practices that they learned during a CE workshop. This pilot study used an e-mail survey and focused interviews.

Participants self-assessed the use of practices taught at a CE workshop and identified barriers and aids to implementing practice change. Focused interviews elicited examples and provided more information about the barriers and facilitators of change that can assist with future program planning.

CE can change practice in health care organizations. Additional research is needed to document best practices in CE to effect change in practice.