Continuing Medical Education in Psychiatry

Abstract

The increasing importance of continuing medical education (CME) in psychiatry is discussed. The need to take account of the principles of adult education (AE) and also of the diversity of current psychiatric practice and individual differences when developing CME programmes is emphasised. The relevance of mandatory CME to the assessment of practitioner performance is also discussed.

Improving the Psychiatric Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes of Primary Care Physicians, 1950–2000: A Review

“…On the other hand, interactive, longitudinal programs that provide opportunities to practice knowledge and skills can influence clinical practice (44). Such courses require the use of simulation, role playing, standardized patients (actors trained to portray patients with psychiatric problems), case-based learning, and videotaping with feedback (36,46,47). A broad spectrum of activities that allows for individual learning styles, career stages, and motivations as well as frequent opportunities to apply new knowledge and skills in actual practice are important (2,46,48).…”

“…Evaluation is also essential, not only because it reinforces learning, but also because it acts as a source of data for assessing program effectiveness. Multiple evaluation techniques are needed to capture the spectrum of knowledge, skills, and attitudes learned and must vary according to the teaching method used (44)(45)(46)(47)(48)(49)(50)(51). Domains of educational evaluation include the following:…”

Introducing continuing professional development

“…Internationally, the American Psychiatric Association has had a system of giving credits for continuing medical education (CME) workshops for many years, and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychia trists has also introduced this; it is recognised that there is a need to take account of known principles of adult education, of the diversity of psychiatric practice, and hence CPD needs, and of whether CPD can alter psychiatric practice (Wright, 1991).…”