Should doctors get CME points for reading?
BMJ 2000; 320 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.320.7232.394 (Published 12 February 2000) Cite this as: BMJ 2000;320:394
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Reading is not the only alternative source of continuing medical
education that should be considered 1. Without BBC radio's long running
series, The Archers, I might never have qualified as a doctor. I passed
my final medical examinations thanks to my memory of one of the
character's illness and treatment. I owe my knowledge of polymyalgia
rheumatica to a radio soap.
One recent storyline concerning depression has illustrated how
medical drama can have an educational role. This "case study" was a
powerful reminder of how an individuals's illness can effect a whole
family. The audience were able to understand the complex aetiology of
depression, follow the slow and rocky recovery and were reminded of the
repercussions many weeks later. In a similar way to the depiction of
schizophrenia in the television soap Eastenders, this portrayal of
depression may have dispelled some of the stigma of mental illness 2.
My radio education has not stood still. Thank's to The Archers I
have recently understood the role of the "terminator gene" in genetic
modification, learned the details of cataract removal and been reminded of
the the dangers of congenital heart disease. How many points is that
worth in my Coninuing Medical Entertainment.
1. Holm HA. Should doctors get CME points for reading? BMJ
2000;320:394-395.
2. Revely A. Soap tackles stigma of schizophrenia. BMJ
1997;314:1560.
Competing interests: No competing interests
As a newly qualified general practitioner I can appreciate the
importance of regular reading in my professional development. Attendence
at lectures, seminars, clinics, and critical analysis of one's own
experience all play an important role in personal development. However, it
is via regular reading that experiences are compared against the previous
experience and amassed knowledge of a great many fellow professionals. It
is vitally important that any change in the current CME system reflects
the importance of this activity, and encourages doctors to read throughout
their professional lives.
Competing interests: No competing interests
Here in the North of Scotland a scheme is under development to
recognize the journal reading done by General Practitioners in their own
time. The Highland e-Journal Club will offer the opportunity for GPs to
post references of articles which they have found of particularly interset
or relevance, together with an explanation as to why. These will be
posted on a bulletin board hosted on our website, which will be fully
searchable. It will also be possible to post further comments on previous
contributions. Five contributions will be counted as half a session (1
3/4 hours) for PGEA/CME credits.
This simple idea will I believe answer many issues raised by Holm(1):
-recognise reading as a legitimate CPD activity
-provide a written statement of reading, which may be used in a portfolio
-be truly self directed rather than being concerned with“specially
designated articles”
-encourage reflection as a core part of the educational process
In addition:-
-it is a format similar to a traditional Journal Club, but without
the time commitment
-it will produce a valuable resource for study by others
-it allows the sharing of views, and the exchange and development of
ideas.
Dr. Miles Mack
General Practitioner and Associate Adviser for CPD
North of Scotland Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education,
Raigmore Hospital,
Inverness
IV2 3UJ
dr_mbm@hotmail.com
1)Holm H A. Should doctors get CME points for reading? BMJ 2000;
320:394-5.
Competing interests: No competing interests
Re: Doctors can gain CME points for reading
yes doctors must get cpd points for reading. Questions may be asked
from the context of an article and marks must be awarded on the basis of
right answers. If a doctor gets 50% or more marks he must get a point for
cpd.
Competing interests: No competing interests