The past, present, and future of continuing medical education. Achievements and opportunities, computers and recertification
P. R. Manning and D. W. Petit
Postgraduate Division, University of Southern California School of Medicine, Los Angeles 90033.
Changes in continuing medical education (CME) during the past three decades
have been controversial and complex. A 1950s-style, small-scale, voluntary
activity has evolved, in 1987, into broad-scale programs with accredited
sponsors and with ties to relicensure. Within the next three decades, CME
will be directed by methods chosen by specialty boards for recertification
and by exploitation of computer and telecommunication technology. Written
recertification examinations can waste physicians' time studying material
that will not improve care of their patients. We hope improved methods of
analysis of individual practices, on-the-spot access to pertinent medical
information, and better communication among physicians can be incorporated
into recertification procedures. Policies established now will shape CME
for decades to come. We encourage a coordinated effort by medical specialty
boards, medical societies, hospitals, medical schools, computer
corporations, telecommunication firms, granting agencies, and the National
Library of Medicine to ensure the most effective and efficient
recertification and CME policies.
