Continuing medical education: refocusing support and direction

Article Abstract:

For the true professional, learning must be a lifelong occupation. This is true for physicians, who practice a constantly changing trade. Programs of continuing medical education, usually abbreviated CME, are designed to help physicians continue their education within the constraints of a profession which makes great demands on their time. Twenty-two states require CME for renewal of a medical license. However, just as the practice of medicine is changing, CME is changing as well. The American Medical Association maintains the Physician's Recognition Award, or PRA, to encourage and reward continuing education; in some states the PRA is regarded as evidence of satisfactory CME. The Association, however, is altering some of the requirements for the PRA. Physicians may learn from a wide variety of sources ranging from courses to seminars to lectures and conference attendance; the PRA requirements are designed to reflect this range. In the past, learning activities were designated category 1 and category 2; only category 1 hours were actually required. This led to the perception that category 2 learning experiences were in some way considered inferior. To rectify this, the new requirements for the PRA now specifically include 20 hours of category 2 learning for a one-year PRA. At the same time, activities such as reading medical journals are no longer reportable as a CME activity. The Association emphasizes that the reading of current journals is critical and that each physician should spend at least two hours a week in this activity. For purposes of documenting CME, however, other activities must replace it. New guidelines have also appeared concerning the CME activities and educational materials provided by pharmaceutical companies. If commercial concerns provide educational materials or seminars for CME credit, they cannot present a biased viewpoint. Furthermore, any social events associated with conferences and seminars cannot be regarded as taking precedence over the actual learning, nor may the commercial enterprise pay for lodging, room, or transportation. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Licensing, certification and accreditation, Certification

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Continuing medical education

Article Abstract:

Continuing medical education (CME) is a process of renewal which relates to the real daily work of physicians and continues the process of learning and exploration and allows the physician to remain informed about new developments in his field. During the period from 1984 to 1987, surveys indicated that computer-assisted instruction increased from less than 10 percent of those interviewed in 1984 to nearly 40 percent. These results seem to confirm the growing and intuitive belief that computers will rapidly become the primary mechanism for delivery of information and education. The American Medial Association issues Physician's Recognition Awards that indicate that a physician has taken and passed a certified continuing medical education course. During 1989 calendar year 22,618 PRA certificates were issued, which represents a decrease of 1,513 from the previous year, and a decrease of 14,950 from the maximum issued in 1981. A table lists the 12 state medical societies that require a mandatory level of CME performance for continued membership, and also indicates the 7 which accept the PRA for satisfying the requirement. A recent trend in CME is a new emphasis being placed on quality assurance and medical outcomes. Many commercial enterprises are involved in CME sponsorship, which has resulted in closer examination of CME programs by the government. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Medical professions, Study and teaching, Licensing agreements, Postgraduate medical education

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Continuing Medical Education

Article Abstract:

An annual review of the status of continuing medical education in the US and its impact on the medical profession is presented by the American Medical Association Division of Continuing Medical Education (CME). Accreditation of course materials continues to be provided by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME). There are currently 480 sponsors of programs in CME, a number which has been relatively stable for the past three years. ACCME continues to carefully monitor at least one program from each sponsor and to collect information regarding its activities. The need to issue certificates of completion to physicians who have completed CME courses is stressed, as they are needed to obtain extended hospital privileges. Regulations regarding the requirement of CME for licensing and renewal continue to change. Florida recently added three hours of AIDS training to its CME risk management requirement and Massachusetts added a minimum of four hours of risk management training for license renewal. There is growing interest in CME research and at least one society plans to release a major collaborative study in the fall. Statistics and descriptions of state requirements are provided.

Analysis, Laws, regulations and rules, Medical colleges, Medical schools, Health occupations licensing boards, Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education

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