Barriers and Facilitators in Continuous Medical Education Related to Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Qualitative Study of Physicians

Abstract

Background This study explored qualitatively, in a sample of German hematologists working in clinical allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT), the perceptions of barriers and facilitators to participate in continuous medical education (CME), to provide detailed information how to improve participation in CME activities related to alloHSCT which may also apply to other areas of medicine. Methods Based on a recruitment campaign of the German Association for Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (DAG-HSZT), 21 semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted, transcribed, and analyzed using framework analysis. Results Three clusters of barriers were identified that explained why alloHSCT physicians may or may not participate in CME: individual constraints (e.g., better networking, young physicians’ being overwhelmed by the complexity of alloHSCT), structural constraints (e.g., time and financial issues, tailoring of CME courses according to the targeted audience), and content-related constraints (e.g., requirement of CME sessions, provision of an overview of CME courses, more flexible offers). We discuss the ten most frequently pronounced issues, including the use of incentives and the need for support at the start of residency, staff shortages, and requirements for learning sessions. Conclusion There is a need for a paradigm shift in CME related to alloHSCT towards a more individualized and needs-based approach. Close monitoring of residents' needs and learning progress as well as feedback systems could help to identify suitable CME courses that should be integrated into a stepwise learning system. CME should focus more closely on the specific target population (i.e., residents, fellows, and attendees) to provide training that is tailored to individual CME needs. On-demand courses may help to strike a balance between work and family obligations. Finally, peer-reviewed, up-to-date information platforms should be expanded.