The impact of CME on the Knowledge of General Physicians

Abstract

Breast cancer is one of the leading cancers among fertile females. Once such problem is encountered by a female it is not the quality of life that it affected rather financial burden, social and family stress adds to the misery. In developed nations the average survival rate with breast cancer is 72% whereas in developing nations it is around 50%. The reason for the difference in the survival rate is better healthcare system in the developed nations where the disease is diagnosed an earlier stage as compared to late diagnoses in underdeveloped nations. If awareness is provided to family physicians through CMEs at grass root level, earlier diagnosis can help all such females who are at risk of developing breast cancer. The study was conducted in three cities of Punjab i.e. Lahore, Sheikhupura and Kasur. The medical colleges who participated in the study were Fatima Jinnah Medical College (29.9%), Amna Inayat Medical College (19.9%) and Central Park Medical College (14%). A pre validated questionnaire was filled by the participants, analysis of the study was univariate and was based on McNemars test. In the post test proformas participants showed good response as compared to pretest evaluation, which showed the effectiveness of CMEs. Aim: The aim of the study is to explore the impact of continuous medical education (CME) of general physicians during their clinical practice. Methodology: A prevalidated questionnaire was required to be filled by the physicians who participated in the study which comprised of two parts, a pretest was taken before CME and other posttest was taken after CME to evaluate the effectiveness of CME. Results: Positive results were observed in the pre-test and post-test proforma of nearly all the participants. Conclusion: To conclude the effectiveness of the study, it was a very fruitful study which showed some very good results. If proper awareness and training is imparted to family physicians at grass root level regarding breast cancer, early diagnosis, management and awareness can be provided to these physicians, which result in early referral of the patients who can easily be managed at this level saving not only life of many patients but also reducing time revenue and cost of treatment of all such cases. Key Words: General physician, CME, breast cancer.