title: How do GPs want to learn in the digital era?
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Various continuing medical education (CME) options are available for general practitioners (GPs). These options differ in their clinical effectiveness and GPs' preferences for learning format. We report on a national survey, conducted by NPS MedicineWise, identifying Australian GPs' preferences for CME.
  
  
  METHODS
  A stratified random sample of 2500 GPs in Australia participated in the survey in 2012. Reponses to the questions on GPs' preferences for CME activities and motivation for choice were analysed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Most GPs (95%) preferred learning in a group rather than on their own. Specifically, 83% preferred face-to-face lecture-based formats; 70% preferred interactive group discussions; 66% preferred one-to-one learning with an expert; and 55% preferred online self-education. Relevance to clinical practice was the key motivation for participation (80%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although GPs are increasingly using online learning, conventional face-to-face activities with peers and experts remain popular. Lecture-based CME continues to be preferred, despite evidence suggesting other modalities may be more effective. CME activities delivered through a combination of methods are likely to appeal to the wide range of GP preferences while optimising clinical outcomes.
authors.affiliation: B Psych (Hons); M Psych (Org), National Survey Lead, NPS Medicinewise - Evaluation, Sydney, NSW.
authors.forename: Melissa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Yee
authors.forename: Virginia
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Simpson-Young
authors.forename: Rebecca
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Paton
authors.forename: Yeqin
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Zuo
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001315:Australia; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D058006:General Practice / Q000193:education*; D006126:Group Processes; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged