The Benefits of Online Continuing Education (CE)

Data from the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) document that the total number of hours spent online for educational activities increased 500% between 1998 and 2002 and that physician involvement increased almost 900%.¹

Adult Learning Principles

When designing any educational activity, it is important to think about the fundamentals of adult learning. The major barrier to lifelong learning is the availability of time. With physicians’ workload, it is often very difficult to schedule face-to-face time for continuing education (CE). “Traditional” CE does not offer the convenience of online CE that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

It is important to incorporate the characteristics of effective CE into the design and implementation of interactive online programs, considering diverse learning preferences, providing faculty development for online facilitators, and grounding this work in learning theory. For example, when considering the 3 basic styles of learning (visual, auditory, and tactile), a visual learner may find data presented in charts, graphs, and diagrams the most effective. Auditory learners benefit from verbal lectures or recitations. A tactile learner may find the interactive potential of online CE the most helpful.

Online CE: Is it more effective?

While “traditional” CE (ie, lectures, grand rounds) has been effective in reinforcing existing knowledge and validating current practice, most evidence suggests that it may do little to change physician practice or improve patient outcomes. Online CE programs offer the potential for ongoing needs assessment, interactivity, incorporation of enabling technologies, and a number of other capabilities that are associated with greater effectiveness than traditional CE.² Online CE may offer the type of interactivity that characterizes effective CE.

Cost Effective

Online CE offers the benefit of reaching a national audience. Traditional CE often involves expenses associated with conference fees and travel, or lost practice income. The majority of online CE is designed from content that has already been developed. Much of the hard work has been done, so to speak. A knowledgeable CE provider can reformulate this information into an effective online activity. Therefore, much of the cost associated with the development of content—not to mention the logistical planning of a live activity—is minimized or eliminated.

Key Points

There are some key components of online CE that must be addressed to ensure a positive and productive learning experience. When looking for an accredited provider, these points should be topics of discussion:

• Electronic evaluations and outcomes measurement tools. Any CE activity that strives to change physician behavior and improve patient outcomes must include some degree of outcomes measurement. Using an electronic evaluation/outcomes measurement is convenient for your participants, less work for your staff, and vital to the success of your activity.
• Certificate of credit delivery. How will participants receive their certificates of credit? An automated system is the best. Be sure to discuss these options.
• Technical Support. Navigation within your course should be easy and functional for the user. However, software compatibility or limitations in technical knowledge may be barriers for some participants. You may want to discuss the possibility of offering training to participants in accessing and navigating the activity. At the very least, minimum technological requirements to participate in the course should be posted in the course description prior to enrollment. This will allow participants to be well prepared for the course.

If you want a knowledgeable partner to navigate online CE, please call CFMC. We have a talented team of continuing education professionals, design experts, web developers, and technology experts available that will ensure your online CE activities are a success. As a joint sponsor, CFMC will ensure your online activities meet the strict guidelines of accrediting organizations. To discuss eLearning solutions, please contact Lorraine Pickrell by e-mail at lpickrell@cfmc.org.

REFERENCES:
1. Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education annual data tables. Available at:
http://www.accme.org/providers/sec_acp_annualreport.asp. Accessed July 9, 2003.
2. Harris JM, Novalis-Marine C, Harris RB. Women physicians are early adopters of on-line continuing medical education. J Contin Educ Health Prof. 2003 Fall;23(4):221-8.

Variety in Professional Credit

CFMC is a national accredited provider of CME and CNE. We also partner with other organizations on a regular basis to bring you professional credits for NAHQ, AAFP, and Pharmacy. For more information, please call Lorraine Pickrell at 800-950-8250 ext 3372 or visit us on the web at www.yourCEsource.org.

CFMC Upcoming Educational Activities

Visit www.yourCEsource.org for a complete list of upcoming educational activities.