Lifelong self-directed learning using a computer database of clinical questions

Physicians often have self-perceived knowledge gaps when they are seeing patients. Traditional continuing medical education is designed to meet the knowledge gaps of groups rather than individual physicians with specific patient problems. Physicians with clinical information needs are advised to cri...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inThe Journal of family practice Vol. 45; no. 5; p. 382
Main Authors Ely, J W, Osheroff, J A, Ferguson, K J, Chambliss, M L, Vinson, D C, Moore, J L
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.11.1997
Subjects
Clinical Medicine
Computers
Databases as Topic
Documentation
Education, Medical, Continuing - methods
Family Practice
Humans
Information Storage and Retrieval
Learning
Physicians, Family
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Summary:Physicians often have self-perceived knowledge gaps when they are seeing patients. Traditional continuing medical education is designed to meet the knowledge gaps of groups rather than individual physicians with specific patient problems. Physicians with clinical information needs are advised to critically evaluate high-quality original research in order to practice "evidence-based medicine." But this advice may be unrealistic for busy clinicians. We propose a system for documenting self-perceived information needs using a computer database. Concise answers to these needs are included in the database along with reference citations supporting the answers. The system tracks continuing education efforts, directs patient care decisions, and focuses lifelong learning on relevant topics. We emphasize the importance of being sensitive to personal information needs and the benefits of maintaining a record of these needs.
ISSN:0094-3509