Combining feedback from simulated cases and prescribing - Design and implementation of an educational intervention in primary care in Sweden

Objectives: To develop and evaluate a new model of continuing medical educa tion (CME) for general practitioners (GPs). The study is part of the joint European Drug Education Project (DEP). This paper presents the Swedish part regarding the design of the evaluation study, the educational methodology, and the participants' evaluation. Methods: An educational model was developed. Two peer group discussions (fa cilitated by a GP/pharmacist team), including individual feedback on the GP s' judgments of written simulated cases and prescribing, were main componen ts. The model was tested in a parallel randomized controlled study includin g 36 GP groups, allocated to education on asthma or urinary tract infection s. Background and outcome data were knowledge and attitudes (WA) assessed b y a questionnaire and prescribing practices for actual and written simulate d cases. The GPs' evaluation of the model was captured through a questionna ire. Results: All 36 groups completed the program. The mean participation rate i n the group discussions was 75%. The response rates were 82-98% regarding b ackground, 60-83% regarding outcome data (WA questionnaire and written case s), end 80% regarding the evaluation questionnaire. Prescribing data were c aptured for 99% of the GPs. Both group discussions were considered importan t by 84-89%. Eighty-seven percent wished to take part in similar CME activi ties for other conditions. About 80% reported that their purpose in partici pating had been fulfilled. Conclusions: It was feasible to evaluate the developed educational model by using a two-armed parallel study design. The model was well received by th e participants.