Viewpoint of faculty members of Yazd Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences about distance learning by Continuing Medical Education

摘要

Introduction: Continuing Medical Education (CME) is a key element in increasing the knowledge, skill, quality and effectiveness of health systems. Initially the CME programs were defined as face to face programs, but for many reasons distance learning by CME programs was also introduced. Aim: This study aimed to determine the viewpoints of faculty members of Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences about distance learning by CME. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 74 faculty members participating in CME programs in 2011, were selected by convenience sampling method. The data was collected through a researcher-made questionnaire which was complete by self-report then the data were analyzed by SPSS (v.18). Results: 58.6% of subjects agreed with distance learning CME and preferred that over 40% of CME be performed as programs. Among these subjects, 53.7% of them expressed on-line CME as a first priority. Conclusion: the attitudes of faculty members toward distance learning programs were positive and according to these results, distance learning programs including on-line CME are suggested.