Effectiveness of Continuing Medical Education in Ghana: Preliminary Study

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of a Continuing Medical Education (CME) activity on the level of knowledge of Ghanaian physicians. CME is well studied in resource-rich countries, but little is known about the efficacy of CME in Lower- and Middle-income countries.Methods: This cross-sectional study used anonymous semi-structured questionnaires in a self-assessment method of evaluation. Participants of the CME conference organized by the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, dubbed Medical KnowledgeFiesta, were asked to evaluate the utility of the educational content at the conference, and then at three and six-months post-conference. Data was reported anonymously using aggregation and analysed using descriptive statistics.Results: The data indicates a 53% knowledge diffusion rate at three months and 63% at six months post CME. Sixty-six percent and 77% of participants implemented new knowledge within three months and six months post CME, respectively. At three months post CME, 65% of participants indicated CME changed their practice, and this increased to 82% at six months. Changes reportedinclude 57% of participants asking different and/or additional questions during patient assessments three months post CME which increased to 74% at the sixth month survey. Thirty-three percent of participants scheduled more follow up appointments three monthspost CME which increased to 44% six months post CME.Conclusion: In this study, CME improved physician knowledge in Ghana. Within six months following the CME, 82% of respondents reported a change in their medical practice.