Managing the application and reporting processes are key to successfully implementing a CME regularly scheduled series. We recently conducted a survey to find out how we can work with you to make this process even easier. The survey was sent to 74 UAB employees designated as course administrators for CME activities, and we received 22 responses (29.7%).
We still welcome your input, so if you have not had the chance to respond, and have a few minutes, please complete the survey so we can get a more complete picture of your needs (with a 30% response rate we still aren't sure if the conclusions below truly represent what you need).
Thanks,
Your CME Team
Results Summary
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Results Summary
- The survey results showed that evaluations and audience tracking take up most of your time but you are comfortable with the process so no additional information is needed. What seems to be needed is a technical solution to simplify the process.
- Responses indicate a clear need for additional information on documenting needs assessment and more explanation of the elements of the CME application
- The clear favorite for ways to learn new information is through online tutorial information
- Electronic attendance taking is the clear favorite for new services
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Action Plan
- Some solutions will be more easily implemented than others - so unfortunately, electronic attendance tracking will take a little research and time - we're working on it immediately, but it will take some testing and feedback before we can implement a system that works for everyone. Please let us know via email if you're interested in testing attendance software.
- We'll get to work straight away on the development of online content to support you in the development of needs assessment for your activities, the requirements for each major section of the application, and how to implement effective evaluations.
- We will also create additional content for disclosure compliance, dealing with commercial support, and attendance tracking as we go forward.
- If you're not comfortable with online tutorial content, we're always available to support you directly, just let your CME specialist know and we can arrange to get you some help.
- We're implementing a new disclosure process for presenters internal to the School of Medicine that should cut down on some of the work you have to do - we'll communicate more in the next couple of weeks.
- We're almost ready to pilot online activity evaluation. Again, please email us if you would like to participate.
Detailed Results
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Time-consuming Processes
The most time-consuming processes in managing CME activity appear to be dealing with activity evaluations (a weighted average score of 4.0 on a 5-point scale, 13 respondents giving it a 4 or 5 ranking of importance) and tracking and reporting attendance (weighted average score = 3.6, 12 respondents giving it a 4 or 5 ranking of importance).
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Usefulness of Additional Information
Though Needs assessment didn't figure highly in terms of time to complete, it is the area most would like additional information on (weighted average score = 3.0 on 4-point scale, 17 respondents giving it a 3 or 4 ranking of importance). Results indicate additional information on the elements of the CME application (weighted score = 2.5, 11 respondents ranking it 3 or 4 in importance) and the evaluation process (weighted score = 2.4, 12 respondents ranking it 3 or 4 in importance) could be useful.
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Preferred way to learn new information
Just 16 respondents ranked their preferred method of getting new information, with online tutorials being the clear winner (12 respondents ranked it as their first choice):
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Interest in New Services
Respondents are most interested in electronic attendance tracking when it comes to potential new new services (weighted score of 6.1 on a scale of 1-7, 17 respondents ranking it 6 or 7 in terms of level of interest):
Again, this one will take the longest to implement, but we have initiated efforts to identify and test options.