LEARNERS EXPERIENCE OF CONTINUING MEDICAL-EDUCATION EVENTS - A QUALITATIVE STUDY OF GP PRINCIPALS IN DORSET

Background. General practitioners' (GPs') attendance at continuing med ical education (CME) events has increased since the introduction of th e Post Graduate Educational Allowance (PGEA) in 1990. However, few stu dies have examined doctors' perceptions about their continuing educati on, and explored their views in depth. Aim. To investigate general pra ctitioners' experience of CME events, what personal impact they had, a nd how the GPs perceived the influence of CME in their professional pr actice and patient care. Method. A qualitative study, with in-depth se mi-structured interviews, of a purposive sample of 25 general practiti oners in Dorset was conducted. Content analysis was used to identify m ajor themes from the transcripts. Results. GPs perceived CME events as beneficial. Confidence levels rose, and the events provided a break f rom practice that refreshed and relaxed, thus indirectly benefiting pa tients. The opportunities provided by formal events for informal learn ing and exchange of ideas, with both peers in general practice and con sultant colleagues, were highly valued. The relevance of the subject t o general practice, and the appropriateness of the educational format, were considered of paramount importance. Few responders identified ma jor changes in their practice as a result of formal CME events, and in formation was seldom disseminated among practice colleagues. Conclusio n. The results of this study challenge GP educators to provide CME tha t is relevant, to recognize the value of peer contact, and to facilita te the incorporation of new information into practice.