Continuing medical education: consultant psychiatrists' experiences and opinions

Abstract

A representative sample of 307 consultant psychiatrists was canvassed regarding experiences and views of continuing medical education (CME). Full responses were received from 73%. The results indicated that most respondents already participated in a range of CME activities, inducing attendance at local and other educational meetings, and teaching. Those respondents who had few consultant peers, or who did not teach psychiatric trainees or medical students, also participated in fewer CME activities. Nearly half the sample funded their CME activities wholly or in part from their own pockets. The majority of respondents supported some form of specialist accediation based on participation in CME.