Society of Maternal-Fetal Medicine annual meeting and a continuing medical education course: results of pre- and postcourse survey

Am J Perinatol. 2012 Nov;29(10):833-41. doi: 10.1055/s-0032-1321496. Epub 2012 Jul 6.

Abstract

Objective: To assess the influence of a continuing medical education (CME) course on knowledge acquired and potential to change clinical management or opinion.

Study design: During the annual Society of Maternal-Fetal Medicine meeting, a survey consisting of 11 knowledge-based, 10 management plan, and 8 opinion questions was administered at the start and completion of the CME course. Chi-square and Fisher exact test were used, and p < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results: The survey was administered electronically to 394 attendees. Questions assessing knowledge showed significant improvement with 91% (10/11) of queries. Purported management changed significantly with 60% (6/10) scenarios and opinions in 62% (5/8) of clinical situations.

Conclusion: A survey done at the completion of a course indicates that CME improves knowledge and can change management and opinions. The prolonged benefits of CME need to be investigated.

MeSH terms

  • Annual Reports as Topic
  • Clinical Competence / standards
  • Congresses as Topic
  • Curriculum / standards*
  • Education, Medical, Continuing* / methods
  • Education, Medical, Continuing* / organization & administration
  • Educational Measurement* / methods
  • Educational Measurement* / statistics & numerical data
  • Female
  • Health Care Surveys
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Maternal Welfare
  • Obstetrics / education*
  • Patient Care Management / methods
  • Patient Care Management / organization & administration
  • Perinatology / education*
  • Quality Improvement
  • Societies, Medical*
  • Staff Development / methods*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires / standards
  • United States