Case studies in osteoporosis: A problem based learning intervention for family physicians

Objective. To develop and evaluate a practice based small group (PBSG) lear ning intervention on osteoporosis far primary care physicians. Methods. A needs assessment on osteoporosis was performed and objectives fo r a continuing medical education (CME) program developed by an interdiscipl inary advisory committee. Nine clinical cases: were developed for evaluatio n by CME participants with a trained facilitator and content expert using t he PBSG format, The effect of the CME intervention was evaluated using a pr e and post-test consisting of objective structured clinical examination sta tions and standardized patients. Results. Fifty-four family physicians participated in 4 pilot PBSG learning sessions. The program format, content, and participant satisfaction was hi ghly rated (> 3.35:4.0). Participants expected the program to have a signif icant effect on the practices (3:40:4.0). Ninety-eight percent of participa nts improved their pretest scores, with a mean increase of 13% (range 1-36% ). Conclusion. Based on our experience, we advocate the use of PBSG learning i nterventions as an effective and acceptable method of providing CME by rheu matologists for their family physician colleagues. This format appears to b e associated with a significant effect on knowledge, skills, and behavior a s assessed by our study.