A practice-integrated learning sequence (PILS)

Abstract

A practice-related office-based CME program was implemented in which 790 primary care physicians treated 9160 patients with hypertension with a single beta adrenoceptor blocking drug. Fifteen percent of the patients did not meet enrollment criteria and twenty-eight percent of the patients were not managed according to the criteria established. Deficiencies were also found in history taking concerning drug side effects on follow-up visits. Physicians performance in these categories could not be predicted by self-assessment test scores or by physicians' self-evaluations of various aspects of their practice behaviors during the program. The Practice Integrated Learning Sequence (PILS) described in this report is a practicerelated, office-based educational process which can be useful in evaluating practice behavior and identifying areas for additional educational interventions.