Abstract
ABSTRACTIntroduction: Physicians in India display an enthusiasm for continuing medical education (CME), however a proper system for facilitation and organisation of CME activities is yet to evolve in the country.Methods: A questionnaire-based survey was conducted among 751 physicians from eight medical specialties across India and the data retrieved was analysed at individual physician and collective specialty-specific levels.Results: The surveyed physicians considered case presentations (73%), live speaker programmes (70%) and round-table meetings/focus group meetings (70%) as the most effective CME activities. They preferred a duration of <2 h for CME activities such as webcasts (89%) and lectures (86%). Most of them considered scientific agenda (78%) and stature of speakers (77%) as the most important determinants of the quality of a CME event. Most physicians wanted topics such as disease guidelines (88%) and new drugs/devices/interventions (86%) for discussion in CME activities. Medical associations (87%) were the most desirable organisations for holding the CME activities and face-to-face modules appealed to majority of the physicians (64%).Conclusions: This study indicates that Indian physicians prefer live, interactive, short, specialty-specific educational sessions for CME activities, delivered by Indian experts and organised by medical associations at domestic destinations.
Highlights
Physicians in India display an enthusiasm for continuing medical education (CME), a proper system for facilitation and organisation of CME activities is yet to evolve in the country
This study indicates that Indian physicians prefer live, interactive, short, specialtyspecific educational sessions for CME activities, delivered by Indian experts and organised by medical associations at domestic destinations
Self-learning modules were preferred over instructor-led modules, and face-to-face modules were preferred over digital modules (Table 2 and Supplementary Table 1)
Summary
Continuing medical education (CME) is defined as the educational activities that serve to maintain, develop or increase the knowledge, skills, performance and relationships that a medical practitioner uses to provide services to patients, the public or the profession [1]. There are knowledge gaps pertaining to the format, technology and logistics behind the organisation of a CME event. The preferences and requirements of the different medical specialties may have to be incorporated into the design of the CME programmes. It is necessary to elucidate the diverse factors that form the foundation of a successful CME event. The objective of our survey was to understand the preferences of Indian physicians with respect to CME activities and the compliance issues that they face in this regard. The study sought to understand the physicians’ choices of CME format and media. The study observed the attitudes and behaviours of physicians that influenced the effectiveness of CME activities.
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