WMJ : official publication of the State Medical Society of Wisconsin
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Medical specialties are adopting methods to improve continuing medical education (CME). A "double credit" option, sponsored by the American Academy of Family Physicians, is now available for presentations submitted and approved as evidence based (EB). ⋯ Double-credit presenters use a greater percentage of EB resources, while their counterparts used more professional experience to prepare CME presentations. Attendees reported improved quality and value with increased EB CME. Time is a perceived and real factor in preparing double-credit applications.
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Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) has provided a means to improve functional outcome of patients in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke. ⋯ This study provides evidence that tPA can be safely administered in rural hospitals. Physicians working in rural emergency departments are able to diagnose and manage acute ischemic stroke within the guidelines established by the National Institute of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) without increased complication rates. Making tPA available in rural communities increases access to treatment and improves outcomes of patients with acute ischemic stroke.