Experiments in continuing medical education merit wider reporting

BMJ 1998;317:211 ( 18 July )

Letters

Experiments in continuing medical education merit wider reporting

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

EDITOR $---$ Both Richards's editorial on continuing medical education¹ and Towle's article on changes in health care and continuingmedical education for the 21st century² emphasised the importanceof self directed learning. ¹ ² This can occur only when learnersfeel confident, supported, and self motivated. Our experiencein south London has shown that personal development plans motivateand change clinical practice. Practice development plans sharethe same strengths by responding to perceived need and allowingevaluation of outcomes. Joining with groups of practitioners (somehave been meeting regularly for up to 20 years) avoids isolationand provides personal support and help with personal development.

The proposed changes in continuing medical education and professional development cannot be introduced, maintained, or developedwithout corresponding changes to fiscal and administrative structures.The challenge for medical politicians is to negotiate a structurefor primary care education at all levels that is controlled byprimary care and . . . [Full text of this article]