title: SKOLAR MD: a model for self-directed, in-context Continuing Medical Education.
abstract: SKOLAR has implemented a web-based CME program with which physicians can earn AMA Category 1 credit for self-directed learning.
  
  
  METHODS
  Physicians researched their questions in SKOLAR and applied for CME. Physician auditors reviewed all requests across two phases of the project. A selection rule set was derived from phase one and used in phase two to flag a subset of requests for detailed review. The selection rule set is described.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In phase one, SKOLAR received 1039 CME applications. Applicants frequently found their answer (94%) and would apply it clinically (93%). A linear regression analysis comparing time awarded to time requested (capped at actual time spent) had R2=0.79.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We believe that that this self-directed approach to CME is effective and an important complement to traditional CME programs. However, selective audit of self-directed CME requests is necessary to ensure validity of credits awarded.
authors.affiliation: SKOLAR, part of Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc., Palo Alto, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Howard R
authors.initials: HR
authors.lastname: Strasberg
authors.forename: Thomas C
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Rindfleisch
authors.forename: Steven
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hardy
mesh_terms: D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D016247:Information Storage and Retrieval; D020407:Internet; D016014:Linear Models; D010865:Pilot Projects