Synthesizes literature on cognitive style and considers issues about its role in continuing medical education research, including whether it should be used as a dependent or independent variable and how it may be used in causal models. (SK)

Programs in human health and global security should be incorporated into medical school curricula. Information about nuclear arms proliferation and unmet human health needs will help physicians exert a critical leadership role. (SK)

To describe and analyze the characteristics of learning projects in which physicians engage, a sample of 29 physicians were interviewed. Preliminary results show a high degree of participation in self-directed learning activities and motivation, with journals and collegial consultation serving as the primary information sources. (SK)

Describes the methods and results of a major effort to recruit physicians for a continuing medical education research study. Analyzes shortcomings in the recruitment process and offers suggestions for obtaining higher participation rates. (JOW)

Traces the genesis and growth of the audiotape, a teaching tool that is used worldwide because it comes close to that ideal of being useful in many locations where time is otherwise wasted, primarily during automobile commuting. (JOW)

Reports on a survey of providers of educational conferences via teleconferencing, which was found to be an increasingly prevalent form of continuing medical education. A five-page appendix gives addresses, prices, and other data on providers of audio and video teleconferencing. (SK)

A critical appraisal of 290 articles in the literature of continuing medical education (CME) from 1935 to 1983 assessed formats, study designs, evaluation outcomes, and collated results. It was concluded that CME could be more broadly defined, that impact on patients is disappointing, and that further research is needed to improve its…

The author describes a conference on exploring some educational methods that have proved effective in other fields and at other levels of medical education to see if they have application to continuing medical education. (SSH)

The author describes major trends and directions related to continuing medical education (CME). The rapid changes he observed in the state of the art in CME are presented in relation to three historical periods in the past 16 years. (SSH)

Considers ways in which computer-based education might be more effectively integrated into the clinical activities of the practicing physician and outlines some of the technological and psychological barriers to their successful implementation. (JOW)

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists developed a needs assessment that provided a systematic approach to obtaining and reviewing data, identifying potential educational projects, and assigning project priorities. This paper describes that process, which incorporated use of a subcommittee, larger group process, and the Delphi…

Aspects of ethics and continuing medical education (CME) are discussed in terms of CME consumers (physicians), providers, and others; vacation CME and "brownie points"; marketing and cosponsorship; financial support from industry; and entrepreneurialism. (CT)

Includes an historical review of continuing medical education (CME) in the United States from 1909, when the Blackburn Plan began, to the post-World War II era, with the growth of instructional technology. Two earlier studies that reviewed evaluation research in CME are discussed. Lloyd's brief response disputes some of Abrahamson's points. (SK)

Describes 15 years' experience with narrow band telephony applied to continuing education of physicians and nursing staff in Wisconsin. (Author)

Two evaluation approaches were used to assess the impact of a continuing medical education manual that was distributed by mail. Implications for development of materials and for information dissemination strategies in continuing medical education are discussed. (Author/CT)