2/2007Realization of duty of Continuous Professional Development by general practitioners – opinions, difficulties, proposals of changes

ANETA NITSCH-OSUCH (Katedra i Zakład Medycyny Rodzinnej z Oddziałem Klinicznym Chorób Wewnętrznych i Metabolicznych Akademii Medycznej w Warszawie,Kierownik: prof. dr hab. med. Kazimierz A. Wardyn)

Background
Continuous medical education (CME) is a part of doctors’ duties. CME is an element of continuous professional development (CPD), which consists of: training connected with specialization, getting new abilities, other activities.

Material and methods
The survey was fulfilled by GPs who participated in CME activities. The questionnaire was fulfilled by 76 GP, 88% of them were women. The average age of a participant was 34.3, and the average professional experience was 7.8 years.

Results
The most popular ways of a realization of CME duty were: participation in a conference organized by local scientific society (78.9%), realization of a program of specialization (68.4%), participation in a national scientific conference (68.4%). Among subjects, which organize CME activities the best opinions were collected by medical universities (73% positive opinions). The most important difficulties connected with realization of CME duties were classified as professional and financial – 90% of responders direct on them. 96% GPs expect changes in financial and tax regulations which may make easier realization of CME duties.

Key words: continuous professional education, continuous professional development, general practitioner