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QUESTION: Are continuing education meetings and workshops effective for improving professional practice and patient outcomes?
Data sources
Studies were identified by searching the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organisation of Care Group specialised register, Medline (1966 to January 1999), the Research and Development Resource Base in Continuing Medical Education, and reference lists of relevant papers.
Study selection
Studies were selected if they were randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-experimental studies with contemporaneous data collection, involved qualified health professionals or post graduate trainees, examined the effect of planned educational activities, and objectively measured health professional practice behaviour or patient outcomes. Studies were excluded if allocation was by participant choice or if participants were all undergraduate students.
Data extraction
2 reviewers extracted data on study quality, interventions, and …
Footnotes
Sources of funding: Alliance for Continuing Medical Education, USA; Scottish Office Home and Health Department, UK; Health Evidence Linkage and Application Network, Industry Canada; Ministry of Health and Social Affairs, Norway; Norwegian Research Council; Society of Medical College Directors of Continuing Medical Education, USA; Health Services Research Unit, University of Aberdeen, UK.
For correspondence: Ms M A Thomson O'Brien, School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University, Hamilton Regional Cancer Centre, Concession Street, Hamilton, Ontario L8V 5C2, Canada. Fax +1 905 575 6308.