Evaluation of on-campus continuing medical education programs in Alberta

Seven on-campus continuing medical education programs offered during the 1971-72 academic year were evaluated. A multiple-choice examination was taken by the participants before each course; the same examination was administered immediately after the course was completed, and a third examination was taken three to five months later. It was found that for each course there was a significant increase in knowledge at both post-testing periods. A questionnaire developed for the purpose of determining the effectiveness of the courses was also administered at the time of the third test, and exhibited reasonable degrees of reliability and validity. A large proportion of the participants indicated the content of their courses was relevant and necessary, and was being used in their medical practice. It was concluded that the effectiveness of these programs justified their continuation.