Experiences and preferences of general practitioners regarding continuing medical education: A qualitative study

Abstract

Aim: To explore the experiences and preferences of general practitioners (GPs) regarding their continuing medical education (CME). Methods: Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews of twenty four GPs from Auckland and North Island rural areas assessing GPs' experiences and preferences. Results: The need for CME was emphasised. Primary themes identified were: the value of personal interaction; the perception that CME that did not involve personal interaction was adjunctive; an opportunistic rather than needs-based approach to learning; a preference for succinct, evidenced-based, GP-focused content; and lack of time as a major barrier to obtaining optimal CME. Conclusions: Interactive formats are generally preferred, but identification of which elements of interactive formats facilitate learning is not established. Most GPs do not direct their CME according to the adult learning model. The challenge for CME providers is to provide avenues to facilitate needs identification and self-directed learning.