EMECAMDEL

An experience of continuing medical education

Abstract

During 2001 and 2002 a Continuing Medical Education program took place in the Cooperativa Médica of Minas (Lavalleja, Uruguay), EMECAMDEL, addressed to practitioners and emergency surgeons. The methodology included at least 50% of interactive ways. Fifteen workshops (8 in 2001 and 7 in 2002) of 6 and a half hours were organised, preceded by papers (of 60 pages each) and a multiple choice questionnaire to assess knowledge and readings sent to each participant. Most teachers were professors of the Faculty of Medicine. Forty-one surgeons attended the program, two thirds were women. Each workshop, on average, was done by 28 people (68%). Participants were mainly from Minas (75%). Surgeons with 12 year-experience and coming from outside Minas recorded higher attendance. Papers sent to participants were read and answered by 90% of the practitioners. The formal assessment showed a positive response about the papers and the issues selected. Although workgroups, clinical rounds and dialogues found favorable reception, other activities were better scored. Participants suggested the importance of discussing case reports with the professors, determination of therapeutic directives and guidelines to indicate paraclinical tests. They also emphasized their wish to undertake more interactive activities and to optimize facilities related to laboratory and therapeutic work. The project costed U$S 22 000 for more than 100 annual hours for each participant. No objective assessment was done in relation to EMECAMDEL on surgeon achievement or every day practice. EMECAMDEL result was satisfactory, even considering the lack of assessment on changes of medical practice.