Analysis of clinicians’ needs for lifelong learning / 医学教育

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Lifelong learning is important for physicians because of patient safety and the need to constantly improve the quality of medical practice. However, few studies have investigated the specific topics that are required.<br>Methods: We examined the lifelong learning needs of physicians by means of a self-administered questionnaire that was completed by 595 subjects, who were clinical practitioners working in Gunma Prefecture.<br>Results: Subjects of all ages needed lectures about the use of evidence-based medicine in medical examinations, clinical studies and the interpretation of epidemiological data, and diagnostic imaging. The younger subjects had a greater need for learning about clinical skills and techniques, such as advanced cardiac life support／intensive care life support, abdominal ultrasonic diagnosis, and cardiac ultrasonic diagnosis. Regarding the ideal times for these lectures, some physicians working at Gunma University Hospital expressed a preference for weekdays after normal business hours, while others preferred the weekends.<br>Discussion: The lifelong learning needs of physicians were clarified. Because physicians work on different shifts and at different institutions, scheduling training sessions that everyone can attend is difficult, especially for those who are off-campus. The timing of the training sessions, as well as the content of lectures, must be considered. Ideally, sessions should be held more than once to accommodate the busy schedules of physicians. We believe that providing an opportunity for lifelong learning will help attract more people to a career in medicine and thereby help address the physician shortage.