The Journal of continuing education in the health professions
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There is confusion and misunderstanding about the concepts of knowledge translation, knowledge transfer, knowledge exchange, research utilization, implementation, diffusion, and dissemination. We review the terms and definitions used to describe the concept of moving knowledge into action. We also offer a conceptual framework for thinking about the process and integrate the roles of knowledge creation and knowledge application. The implications of knowledge translation for continuing education in the health professions include the need to base continuing education on the best available knowledge, the use of educational and other transfer strategies that are known to be effective, and the value of learning about planned-action theories to be better able to understand and influence change in practice settings.
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J Contin Educ Health Prof · Jan 2006
Promoting physicians' self-assessment and quality improvement: the ABIM diabetes practice improvement module.
The American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) recognized that certification and recertification must be based on an assessment of performance in practice as well as an examination of medical knowledge. Physician self-assessment of practice performance is proposed as one method that certification boards may use to evaluate competence in practice-based learning and improvement and systems-based practice. ⋯ Self-assessment using the ABIM diabetes PIM as part of recertification provides valuable practice information and can lead to meaningful behavioral change by physicians. Collaboration with an educator in quality improvement appears to facilitate the effects of the practice improvement module. Future work should investigate the effect on patient outcomes.
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J Contin Educ Health Prof · Jan 2006
Effectiveness of an enhanced peer assessment program: introducing education into regulatory assessment.
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario developed an enhanced peer assessment (EPA), the goal of which was to provide participating physicians educational value by helping them identify specific learning needs and aligning the assessment process with the principles of continuing education and professional development. In this article, we examine the educational value of the EPA and whether physicians will change their practice as a result of the recommendations received during the assessment. ⋯ The EPA pilot study has demonstrated that providing detailed individualized feedback and optimizing the one-to-one interaction between assessors and physicians is a promising method for changing physician behavior. The college has started the process of aligning all its peer assessments with the principles of continuing professional development outlined in the EPA model.
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J Contin Educ Health Prof · Jan 2006
Effects of a distance learning program on physicians' opioid- and benzodiazepine-prescribing skills.
Opioid misuse is common among patients with chronic nonmalignant pain. There is a pressing need for physicians to increase their confidence and competence in managing these patients. ⋯ Facilitated by electronic mail and a medical expert, case discussion is an effective means of improving physician performance. Telephone consultation holds promise as a method for evaluating physicians' assessment and management skills.