Funding for continuing medical education

In a recent editorial, Paul Hébert laments the current state of Canadian continuing education and advocates a more effective and ethical approach.1 Many of his comments are salient indeed.

However, such an approach is already underway, at least for family physicians. The Foundation for Medical Practice Education, affiliated with McMaster University, embodies the principles espoused by Hébert, particularly through its practice-based small-group learning program. This program gives physicians the opportunity to define and engage in self-directed learning activities that are related to authentic practice problems.2 It is accredited to issue Mainpro-C credits by the College of Family Physicians of Canada.

Hébert outlines the criteria for a “more principled approach” to continuing health education. The foundation's practice-based small-group learning program meets these criteria in a variety of ways. First, it receives no pharmaceutical sponsorship; it is funded entirely through membership fees and partnerships with other nonprofit health care organizations such as the College of Family Physicians of Canada, the Canadian Lung Association and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. Second, gaps identified between current practice and the best available evidence are the focus of all educational modules. These modules then provide practical strategies and tools to bridge the gaps and help to improve both clinical practice and patient outcomes. Third, the practice-based small-group learning program actually works. A randomized controlled trial found that involvement in the program had a positive effect on prescribing patterns for target medications.3 Finally, the program is affordable and accessible to all communities across Canada; over 3500 family physicians are members. This demonstrates that continuing health education can be effective, ethical and enticing.