Evaluation of Experiences and Perceptions of Family Physicians on Continuing Medical Education and the Effect on Daily Clinical Practice

Objective: To develop, increase or to update the medical knowledge and skills for providing an effective healthcare service are aimed through continuing medical education (CME) activities. In this study, we evaluated the participation in CME activities and perceptions of family physicians about the effect of CME on their routine clinical practice. Methods: A questionnaire composed of questions about sociodemographic characteristics and professional experience concerning CME was implemented to family physicians during three CME activities held in consecutive six months. An index about perceptions of participants about the effect of CME activities on their daily clinical practice was developed and a score >= 20 points was considered as "positive index score". Results: A total of 247 family physicians, consisting of 112 family medicine residents,106 specialists and 29 general practitioners participated in the study. Economic reasons and time constraints were the most frequently mentioned barriers to participate in CME. Residents stated that CME was useful in the recognition of new medications(p=0.006). General practitioners reported that CME had more impact in early diagnosis and treatment(p=0.001). There was no difference between the reports of all groups on effects of CME on chronic disease follow-up (p=0.078). The rate of participants who had scores of >= 20 was %71, which revealed a positive perception on the impact of CME activities on their daily clinical practice. Conclusions: Our study participant pyhsicians think that scientific activities and meetings improve their daily clinical practice. Time constraint and economic reasons were reported highly as barriers for attendance to CME. "Perceived impact of CME activities on daily clinical practice index" may be used for evaluation in different groups of participants and meetings with variable themes.