An interactive workshop based on longitudinal case studies and using Schon's reflection-in-action and reflection-on-action was presented to 37 physicians. Pre/postworkshop data from eight participants showed significant improvements in their knowledge. (SK)

A survey of 16 Australian clinical nurse consultants showed they spent substantial time in informal teaching, but only 3% of it is recorded as limited educational activity for accountability purposes. However, a survey of 58 nurses taught by the consultants demonstrates the gains derived from informal education. (SK)

A workshop on the McGill Model of Nursing, which depicts nurses' role in developing and maintaining family health, was attended by 147 nurses. Increases in self-efficacy, behavior, and performance related to implementing the model were evident 6 months after the workshop. (SK)

Notes the growing use of journals in nursing education and health professions continuing education. Describes a three-step method involving critical analysis of clinical practice, peer group discussion, and self-evaluation. Presents practical guidelines for journal writing and ways to use journals to develop competence. (SK)

Surveyed Michigan veterinarians about preferences for continuing education courses. Found that greater differences existed between them in the importance of timing, location, cost, and available credit than for program environment, format, and length. Graduate year and gender were two demographic variables most likely to be associated with these…

Five trends have influenced professional continuing education since 1980: (1) more workplace provision than any other kind; (2) more distance education; (3) increased university-workplace collaborations; (4) increased corporatization; and (5) more regulation of professional practice. Issues include updating knowledge versus improving practice,…

Despite problems of isolation and lack of resources, studies show rural physicians are uncomfortable with distance education technologies for continuing education. A Penn State pilot project is testing use of desktop conferencing equipment in doctors' offices to deliver continuing education via the World Wide Web. (SK)

Discusses professional development in higher education; considers the work environment as the main site for professional development; and maintains that continuing professional development, in times of continuing professional obsolescence, is best served by attention to departmental cultures. Implications for staff development professionals are…

Survey responses from 71 health professionals, benchmarking data from 8 hospitals, continuing education program evaluations, and focus groups with nursing, allied health, and primary care providers indicated a need for professional continuing education on women's health issues. Primary topic needs were identified. The data formed the basis for…

Increased attention to medical errors and patient safety highlights the importance of quality improvement in continuing medical education. Ways to enhance quality include informatics, clinical practice guidelines, learning from opinion leaders and patients, learning organizations, and just-in-time and point-of-care delivery of continuing…

Describes a cooperative approach to faculty development between competing further and higher education institutions and the relationship between the institutions and a professional organization. Outlines the benefits of cooperation for staff, students, and professional organizations. (SK)

Cognitive teaching and learning principles include activation of prior knowledge, elaboration of new knowledge, contextual learning, knowledge transfer, and knowledge organization. Social-environmental principles include dynamic learner-environment interaction, observational learning, environmental incentives and rewards, goal setting,…

Media richness theory suggests that media choice results from matching characteristics with content requirements. Social information processing theory adds the influence of social norms and familiarity with media types. In applying both to continuing medical information, consideration of content and participant environment guides selection of…

The evaluation of physician competency prior to issuing an initial medical license has been a fundamental responsibility of medical boards. Growing public expectation holds that medical boards will ensure competency throughout a physician's career. The Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) strongly supports the right of state medical boards to…

Introduction: Effective treatment regimens exist for the hepatitis C virus (HCV); however, clinicians are often resistant to evaluation or treatment of patients with alcohol or substance abuse problems. We describe a continuing medical education (CME) program for clinicians in a nationwide health care system, with emphasis on current treatment…