The use of interviews and survey questionnaires in determining physician-learner need

Abstract

Survey questionnaires and interviews are popular information-gathering methods used by continuing medical education (CME) planners to complete needs assessment activities. How are these methods used in needs assessment? How often are the methods applied? Who responds to them? Which variables are measured? What is the setting for data collection and use? Twenty interviews were conducted with CME planners at 10 medical schools. Types of needs assessment strategies were identified. The relative incidence, types of respondents, variables measured and setting for data collection, and use of interview and survey methods were listed for each type of needs assessment. Results indicated that unstructured interviews were used throughout needs assessment. Data from questionnaires were used in determining need, but questionnaires were not designed as instruments for conclusive and independent self-assessment. Need for a program was generally determined by consensus of a planning group. An assessment of need was more often a retrospective justification of the developing program idea than a scientifically identified range of knowledge, skills, or attitudes to be addressed by a CME intervention. The general use of the consensus approach to needs assessment requires that the CME planner should help to facilitate decision making by the planning group. Survey questionnaires and interviews should be designed to meet the informational needs of the planning group who will utilize the information in a consensus approach to needs assessment. CME planners may facilitate such decision-making by maintaining competence in group decision-making techniques, as well as in the design and evaluation of continuous needs assessment and decision-making processes.