Presents a philosophical analysis of professionalism to clarify professional responsibilities for continuing education; illustrates professional organizations' responses, using occupational therapy as an example. Provides a framework for planning continuing professional-education activities based on a systems approach. (SK)

Discussion of continuing education (CE) focuses on motivation for change; the types of CE that exist; whether it should be voluntary or mandatory; institutional and individual aims; the manager as team leader; effects of financial pressures; and the role of library and information science associations. LRW)

A 6-month follow-up study of 176 physicians who attended a breast cancer lecture/workshop found that 92 changed practice regarding tamoxifen; many now performed risk assessments on all patients. Barriers to change included lack of colleague consensus, lack of time for assessment and patient counseling, and lack of insurance reimbursement. (SK)

Swedish nurses (n=497) indicated that continuing education enhanced their work satisfaction, extended their competence, and enhanced their self-confidence. Continuing education does not seem to have resulted in increased salaries, more power or authority, or greater influence over the work situation. (SK)

Although the European Union encourages professional mobility, the practice of continuing professional development (CPD) in pharmacy and law in various countries shows that cultural differences may hinder cross-border mobility. It is also surprising that universities are relatively little involved in CPD. (SK)

Describes the development of a template for interactive case studies that was used for an online continuing medical education course on genetics for health care providers. Discusses goals of the template system, including the production of additional case studies with no additional programming costs and easy updating capabilities. (LRW)

The Informed Shared Decision-Making project focused on overcoming physician resistance to continuing education and developing allies for change among stakeholders and opinion leaders. Strategies included substantive incorporation of continuing medical education into the medical education continuum and involvement of patients in planning and…

Analyzes a traditional research model for its usefulness in writing research reports that are relevant to practitioners. Suggests that attention to research problems and conclusions helps in translating research and theory into practice. Proposes a system of research and development that can close the gap between research and practice. (SK)

Biographical insights from general practitioners suggest that, for many, initial training was inadequate for work in marginalized, multicultural communities. A split between personal and academic ways of knowing evidences distrust of experiential and emotional learning, which are essential for effective medical practice. (SK)

Family physicians were randomly assigned either to a distance learning module (n=26) or preventive care guidelines (n=27) on smoking cessation. No differences appeared in knowledge or attitudes. The distance group had significantly greater change in self-rated competence, but the magnitude of change was not greater than that of the control group.…

Nurses, dietitians, physicians, and a pharmacist (n=33) attended a patient teaching and problem-solving course emphasizing assessment, brainstorming, collaboration, and direct instruction skills. Analysis of videotaped patient teaching exercises revealed significant improvement in all four skills. Length of teaching sessions remained the same.…

A literature review found 12 studies using educational interventions for physicians regarding hypertension. Interventions such as reminders improved follow-up care but were ineffective in changing blood pressure levels. The success of interventions may depend on the aspect to be changed and their feasibility in a particular setting. (Contains 35…

During 4 continuing medical education conferences, 221 Harvard Medical School lectures and 103 pharmaceutical company symposia were held. There were no differences in perceived quality of presentations, but the range of topics in industry-sponsored programs was narrower and primarily linked to new products. (SK)

Compares the theoretical foundations of three models of behavioral change: commitment to change, innovation-decision, and change and learning. Outlines outcomes and assessment methods of each model. (SK)

Learning outcomes for continuing medical education should be derived from learner perspectives. Concise, clear objectives assist learners in selecting appropriate learning activities, structuring learning experiences, and determining what has been learned. (SK)