Rhoda Reardon (College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario); Bill McCauley (College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario); Wendy Yen (College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario); Craig Nathanson (College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario)

Synopsis

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario will report on an analysis of existing College data to better understand trended physician learning needs and to assist development of an outcomes model for use in individualized education plans.

Abstract

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario plays a key role at the system and individual level in contributing to the quality of medical practice. Fundamental to this role is promoting relevant continuing professional development (CPD) and measuring the impact of completed interventions. The College, via its various interactions with Ontario physicians, is uniquely positioned to define relevant learning needs and advocate with academic partners to meet these needs. The dearth of data to identify learning needs for physicians has been a key challenge for physician assessment and enhancement. The current research endeavours to fill this gap by examining the learning needs and educational outcomes of 150 physicians who took one of three CPSO courses: Medical Record Keeping, Ethics or Boundaries. Results will be used to design an ongoing system to define trends of learning needs prospectively. Given that the CPSO also plays a key role in evaluating the impact of interventions on physician practice, data on educational outcomes will be used to guide the development of an evaluation framework for use in physician individualized education plans. This work will build on Moore’s outcomes measurement model (2009) and contribute to the development of innovative approaches to assess the outcome and impact of CPD initiatives.

Declaration

No conflicts.