The Attitude of Physicians towards Continuing Medical Education in Greece

Hippokratia 2003, 7(2):84-92

P.N Ziroyanis, Th Katostaras, T Mousiama
Dpt Nephrology, State General Hospital of Athens “Gennimatas”, Athens, Greece, Dpt of Nursing, University of Athens


Abstract

The aim of this study was the estimation of the attitude of Greek physicians on the issue of Continuing Medical Education (CME).
Four hundred – fifteen physicians (professors, private office practitioners, consultants/senior registrars, registrars and others) participating in a medical congress answered a questionnaire of five points: a) the kind of scientific educational activity preferred, b) the selection criteria of scientific subjects, c) who must undertake the expenses, d) the ways that CME can be more effective and e) the extend to which printed and electronic press is being used as a means of CME.
The answer in question a was discussions with experts (>82%), clinical tutorials (> 81%) and lectures (> 81%). The answer in b was the health needs of population (>92%) and the educational needs of the doctors (> 92%). The answer in c was scientific societies (> 87%) and public health services (> 73%). The answer in d was the establishment of obligatory attendance (> 82%), more CME events in district areas (> 80%) and more educational CME events (> 73%).
In conclusion Greek physicians believe that the discussion with experts is crucial for their education, subject selection must be based primarily on the health needs of the population and the educational needs of the doctors, and the attendance must be obligatory at least for a minimum number of scientific events. Also there is a preference for CME activities in district areas.