Factors motivating attendance at continuing medical education programs: a mixed-methods study from a Middle Eastern Country

Continuing medical education enables healthcare professionals to maintain and enhance their knowledge and skills in a rapidly evolving medical field. In many settings, a specified number of continuing medical education hours is required annually for renewal of professional practice licenses. However, the factors that motivate healthcare professionals to attend continuing medical education programs are not fully understood. This mixed-methods study examined the factors influencing attendance at continuing medical education programs in a Middle Eastern country. Four accredited continuing medical education programs delivered by a national university were evaluated. A total of 276 healthcare professionals completed a semi-close-ended questionnaire in which they could select one or more of ten potential motivating factors. Qualitative data was complemented by semi-structured interviews with 14 participants who discussed reasons for attendance and barriers. Overall, 63.6% of participants selected the need to obtain education hours for license renewal and 49.3% selected program content as motivating factors. When only one factor was selected, the need for education hours (49.6%) and scientific content (31.4%) remained the most frequently reported motivators. Nurses were most likely to attend primarily to obtain required education hours, whereas doctors were more likely to attend for scientific content. Location and affordable fees were particularly important for nurses. Interviewees described continuing medical education as an efficient way to obtain updated knowledge but highlighted barriers including limited paid educational leave, high fees, and scheduling constraints. The need to obtain education hours for recertification and the perceived relevance of program content were the main drivers of continuing medical education attendance. Policies that support paid educational leave and financial assistance, especially for nurses and other non-physician professionals, may enhance participation and help ensure equitable access to continuing medical education.