An Overview of Continuing Medical Education/Continuing Professional Development Systems in Europe: A Mixed Methods Assessment

The aims of this assessment were to describe the requirements for European physicians to engage in CME/CPD; explore perceptions of their CME/CPD systems; interprofessional continuing education (IPCE) and independent CME/CPD and provide recommendations that may be adopted to improve quality and effectiveness. This assessment used a mixed-methods approach that included 1:1 interviews with in-country subject matter experts (SMEs) and an electronic survey capturing qualitative and quantitative data from practicing in-country physicians. Our analysis reflects countries with CME/CPD systems that are quite mature when compared to other areas of the world. Almost all the European countries have CME/CPD systems that are professionally self-regulated and have implemented policies or laws to limit the influence of pharmaceutical or device companies over content in CME/CPD. Several countries have incorporated a learning sciences framework into their systems, including self-assessment/self-reflection and evaluation of professional practice gaps. Overall quality of CME/CPD systems was described as high, with education focused on knowledge and practice change. Opportunities for improvement are focused on increasing innovation, improving transparency and consistency, and decreasing administrative burdens. About half the countries have and support IPCE, which is likely also a marker of a more mature CME/CPD system. This mixed-method assessment demonstrates that the CME/CPD systems in the 15 European countries reflect elements of mature systems globally. Physician participation is mandated or strongly encouraged and supported. Physicians have access to a wide variety of opportunities to participate in CME/CPD, and they do participate even if not required by regulation. There are mechanisms to ensure the quality of CME/CPD even when pharmaceutical or device companies are permitted to provide education. Suggestions for improvement focus on quality and not basic elements of structure.