Assessing continuing medical education needs in New Mexico

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Continuing Medical Education
• Health Policy

Background:

• The University of New Mexico School of Medicine established an Office of Community Professional Education in 1981.
• The office's primary function was to develop continuing medical education (CME) programs tailored to physicians' needs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the learning preferences, preferred program locations, timing, and other attendance determinants for CME programs.
• To gather data to inform the policy formation for CME delivery at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine.

Main Methods:

• A needs assessment survey was distributed to a stratified random sample of physicians.
• The survey targeted members of the New Mexico Medical Society practicing statewide.
• Data collection achieved a response rate of 72.4% from 647 distributed surveys.

Main Results:

• A significant response rate (72.4%) was achieved, indicating strong physician engagement.
• The survey identified key physician preferences regarding learning styles, program locations, and timing.
• Data provides a clear understanding of factors influencing physician participation in CME.

Conclusions:

• The needs assessment results will form the basis for future CME program policies.
• This data-driven approach ensures CME programs are relevant and accessible to the medical community.
• The findings support the strategic development of effective continuing medical education at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine.