[Perception of continuous medical education by primary care physicians].
The enormous increase of specific medical knowledge has become a growing challenge also for general practitioners (GPs) in their daily routine. In this study, GPs practising in Berlin were asked about their experience with Continuous Medical Education (CME). The evaluation of this survey may help planning future qualification courses. Thirty GPs from Berlin (14 females, 16 males) participated in a qualitative survey and were interviewed about their experience with and the use of CME programmes offered. The interviews performed were summarised, structured, and analysed according to the qualitative analysis of content by Mayring. The GPs considered lack of time to be the general impediment to their further professional development. The patient-oriented communication with specialised colleagues during working hours was considered an important tool of CME. Traditional educational means, for example professional journals, were appreciated because of their flexible use in terms of time and location. Due to the lack of time, GPs may favour types of CME that can be used flexibly. The implementation of professional medical networks between GPs and specialty consultants may have a major impact on future CME programmes.
Heintze
Christoph
C
Institut für Allgemeinmedizin, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Mitte, Berlin. christoph.heintze@charite.de
Matysiak-Klose
Dorothea
D
Braun
Vittoria
V
D001294:Attitude to Health; D001604:Berlin; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D008485:Medical Audit; D010821:Physicians, Family