title: Remote and rural: do mentors enhance the value of distance learning continuing medical education?
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Experts suggest that distance learning continuing medical education (CME) is only effective when there is the opportunity for two-way discussion and reflection. The value of on-line mentoring has been mainly studied in the West.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We examined the benefits and practical implications of providing mentors for distance learning CME in a low technology setting.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a randomized controlled trial with qualitative and quantitative analysis of the impact of mentoring on completion of CME and quality of reflective learning.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty-six of 64 doctors completed all four CME modules. Non-completers were interviewed by telephone. Odds ratio analysis suggested that mentored doctors were three times more likely to complete their CME; however, this did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.07, 95% CI 0.89-10.57). Being in rural practice (p = 0.05) and younger in age (p = 0.005) were significantly associated with completion of CME. Mentored doctors seemed to show a higher quality of reflection on learning. Contact between mentors and mentees was difficult. Both mentors and mentees felt that optimal use of the system was not made.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Despite mentors' perceptions that they had little impact, mentored doctors did appear to be more likely to complete CME. Work is needed to increase the quality of interpersonal and educational interaction between mentors and mentees.
authors.affiliation: Patan Hospital, Lagankhel, Kathmandu. martinkatrinab@gmail.com
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Butterworth
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Hayes
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zimmerman
mesh_terms: D016001:Confidence Intervals; D020375:Education, Distance / Q000379:methods*; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing / Q000379:methods*; D017144:Focus Groups; D058005:General Practitioners; D006801:Humans; D008611:Mentors; D016017:Odds Ratio; D009862:Online Systems; D036301:Qualitative Research; D019035:Rural Health Services; D012424:Rural Population; D013223:Statistics as Topic; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods*