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. 2024 Nov 27;16(11):e74638.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.74638. eCollection 2024 Nov.

Innovative Approaches to Continuing Medical Education

Muhammad Mannan  1   2 , Asra Afzal  3 , Usman Hafeez  4 , Rizwan Akbar  5   6 , Rimsha Tahir  4
Affiliations

Innovative Approaches to Continuing Medical Education

Muhammad Mannan et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Background: Continuing medical education (CME) is vital for healthcare professionals to maintain clinical competence and keep pace with the rapidly evolving medical landscape. Traditional CME models often fall short of meeting the dynamic needs of modern healthcare professionals.

Objective: This study explores innovative CME methods, including microlearning, Just-in-Time Training (JITT), and digital platforms, to assess their effectiveness and identify potential barriers to adoption.

Methods: A mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating a systematic literature review with quantitative surveys of 300 healthcare professionals and qualitative interviews with 50 CME administrators. The study was conducted at Birmingham Heartlands Hospital. Statistical analyses were performed on the quantitative data, while thematic analysis was applied to qualitative responses to identify key themes and insights.

Results: Microlearning was regularly utilized by 234 participants (78%), with 204 participants (68%) indicating it as their preferred learning method due to its flexibility and efficiency. JITT was particularly valued in critical care settings, with 135 participants (45%) employing it and 210 participants (70%) expressing high satisfaction. Digital platforms were accessed by 276 participants (92%), with 264 participants (88%) expressing satisfaction with their content diversity and ease of access. Major barriers identified included digital literacy challenges, reported by 156 participants (52%), and technological access limitations, reported by 144 participants (48%).

Conclusion: Innovative CME approaches like microlearning, JITT, and digital platforms show great promise in aligning with the current needs of healthcare professionals. Addressing barriers such as digital literacy and technological infrastructure is essential to ensure widespread adoption and maximize their impact on healthcare outcomes.

Keywords: continuing medical education (cme); digital platforms in healthcare; healthcare professional development; just-in-time training (jitt); microlearning.

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Conflict of interest statement

Human subjects: Consent for treatment and open access publication was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

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