THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK FOR IMPLEMENTING A MANAGED CARE CURRICULUM FOR CONTINUING MEDICAL-EDUCATION .1.

Healthcare reform has created a new working environment for practicing physicians, as economic issues have become inseparably intertwined wi th clinical practice. Although physicians have recognized this change, and some are returning to school for formal education in business and healthcare administration, formal education may not be practical or d esirable for the majority of practicing physicians. Other curriculum m odels to meet the needs of these professionals should be considered, p articularly given the growing interest in continuing education for phy sicians in the areas of managed care and related aspects of practice m anagement. Currently, no theory-based models for implementing a manage d care curriculum specifically for working physicians have been develo ped. This paper will integrate diffusion theory, instructional systems design theory, and learning theory as they apply to the implementatio n of a managed cave curriculum for continuing medical education, Throu gh integration of theory with practical application, a CME curriculum for practicing physicians can be both innovative as well as effective. This integration offers the benefit of educational programs within th e context of realistic situations that physicians can apply to their o wn work settings.