Multiple choice question quiz: a valid test for needs assessment in CME inrheumatology and for self assessment

Drawing from experience in Switzerland, a test of 60 multiple choice questi ons covering the entire area of rheumatology was constructed and used at th e international symposium of rheumatology, EULAR, Geneva 1998. It was intro duced as a multiple choice question game, the language was English, and the level of acceptance was very high. Language posed only occasional problems . The reliability of the test for internal consistency was high (Cronbach a lpha 0.852). One of the main target groups, the private practitioners, was the largest group of rheumatologists (nearly 50%). Evaluative statements of the participants indicate that it was a highly relevant test for rheumatol ogy. This test is a valuable way for needs assessment in continuing medical education and for self assessment. Importantly, it has been shown that suc h a test can be conducted at an international level.