Educational Technologies for Physician Continuous Professional Development: A National Survey. (January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cook, David A.; Blachman, Morris J.; Price, David W.; West, Colin P.; Baasch Thomas, Barbara L.; Berger, Richard A.; Wittich, Christopher M.
• Is Part Of: Academic medicine. Volume 93:Number 1(2018)
• Publication Date: 2018-01
• Subjects: Medical education -- Periodicals; Medical policy -- Periodicals; Medical personnel -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 610.711
• DOI: 10.1097/ACM.0000000000001817
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1040-2446

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: To determine the past experiences with, current use of, and anticipated use of online learning and simulation-based education among practicing U.S. physicians, and how findings vary by age. Method: The authors surveyed 4, 648 randomly sampled board-certified U.S. physicians, September 2015 to April 2016, using Internet-based and paper questionnaires. Survey items (some optional) addressed past and current technology usage, perceived technology effectiveness, and anticipated future use of specific technology innovations. Results: Of 988 respondents, 444 completed optional items. Of these, 429/442 (97.1%) had used online learning and 372/442 (84.2%) had used simulation-based education in the past five years. Desire for more online learning was modest (mean [standard deviation], 4.6 [1.5]; 1 = strongly disagree, 7 = strongly agree), as was desire for more simulation-based education (4.2 [1.7]). Both online learning and simulation-based education were perceived as effective (5.2 [1.4]; 5.0 [1.4]). Physicians believed they possess adequate skills for online learning (5.8 [1.2]) and that point-of-care learning is vital to effective patient care (5.3 [1.3]). Only 39.0% used objective performance data to guide their learning choices, although 64.6% agreed that such information would be useful. The highest-rated innovations included a central repository for listing educational opportunities and tracking continuing education credits, an app to award credit for answering patient-focused questions, 5-minute and 20-minute clinical updates, and an e-mailed "question of the week." Responses to most survey items were similar across age groups. Conclusions: Practicing physicians generally seem receptive and prepared to use a variety of educational technologies, regardless of age. Abstract : Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.