Hilary Schmidt, PhD (sanofi-aventis); Lois Colburn (University of Nebraska Medical Center); Charles Willis (American Gastroenterological Association)

Synopsis

This symposia consists of a presentation on key findings from several PACME Benchmarking Surveys (2010 to present), coupled with panel discussion among CME Leaders representing the perspectives of Commercial Supporters, Academic Medical Centers, and Medical Specialty Societies. The goal of this session is to allow for thoughtful evaluation of this benchmarking data in relation to key reports in CME/CPD (e.g., ACCME Annual Report, AAMC/SACME Harrison Survey) and relevant publications in order to provide the CME community with insights that add to the knowledge and understanding of commercial support for CME/CPD.

Purpose

To provide the CME community with insights on current practices and processes within US-based commercial supporter organizations for grant support of independent CME/CPD activities designed to improve HCP knowledge, competence, and performance, and improve patient health outcomes.

Format

Presentation of key results and analyses from several PACME Benchmarking Surveys conducted among commercial supporters in the US (2010 to present), and panel discussion among CME Leaders representing the perspectives of Commercial Supporters, Academic Medical Centers, and Medical Specialty Societies.

Presenter Perspectives

During this session, the primary presenter will present the PACME Benchmarking Survey findings, and provide insights into current practices and potential future trends related to industry support of CME/ CPD. Additionally, each CME Leader will provide a distinct perspective on commercial support of CME/ CPD based on professional and leadership experiences within their area of practice, and assess the PACME Benchmarking Survey Data relative to data from the 2010 ACCME Annual Report, the 2010 AAMC/SACME Harrison Survey, and related CME/CPD literature.

Significance to CME and Participants

Commercial supporter organizations are committed to supporting high-quality, independent, unbiased, and evidence-based educational interventions aimed at improving HCP knowledge, competence, and performance, and patient health. This commitment to CME/CPD is supported by findings from the PACME Benchmarking Surveys. Additionally, evaluating the survey data in relation to key reports and publications will provide the CME community with insights that add to the knowledge and understanding of commercial support for CME/CPD. The implications of the data for ensuring the integrity of industry supported CME/CPD will be discussed.

Declaration

Presenters are full-time employees within their respective organizations.