LIFELONG SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING USING A COMPUTER DATABASE OF CLINICALQUESTIONS

Physicians often have self-perceived knowledge gaps when they are seei ng patients. Traditional continuing medical education is designed to m eet the knowledge gaps of groups rather than individual physicians wit h specific patient problems. Physicians with clinical information need s are advised to critically evaluate high-quality original research in order to practice ''evidence-based medicine.'' But this advice may be unrealistic for busy clinicians. We propose a system for documenting self-perceived information needs using a computer database. Concise an swers to these needs are included in the database along with reference citations supporting the answers. The system tracks continuing educat ion efforts, directs patient care decisions, and focuses lifelong lear ning on relevant topics. We emphasize the importance of being sensitiv e to personal information needs and the benefits of maintaining a reco rd of these needs.