Characteristics that Predict Physician Participation in a Web-Based CME Activity: The MI-Plus Study

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Characteristics that Predict Physician Participation in a Web-Based CME Activity: The MI-Plus Study
Language: English
Authors: Schoen, Michael J., Tipton, Edmond F., Houston, Thomas K., Funkhouser, Ellen, Levine, Deborah A., Estrada, Carlos A., Allison, Jeroan J., Williams, O. Dale, Kiefe, Catarina I.
Source: Journal of Continuing Education in the Health Professions. Aut 2009 29(4):246-253.
Availability: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Subscription Department, 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774. Tel: 800-825-7550; Tel: 201-748-6645; Fax: 201-748-6021; e-mail: subinfo@wiley.com; Web site: http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/browse/?type=JOURNAL
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 8
Publication Date: 2009
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Adult Education
Descriptors: Medical Education, Intervention, Physicians, Online Courses, Patients, Urban Areas, Professional Associations, Internet, Prediction, Professional Development, Continuing Education, Heart Disorders, Web Sites, Rural Areas, Enrollment
Geographic Terms: Alabama
DOI: 10.1002/chp.20043
ISSN: 0894-1912
Abstract: Introduction: Physician use of the Internet for practice improvement has increased dramatically over the last decade, but research shows that many physicians choose not to participate. The current study investigated the association of specific physician characteristics with enrollment rates and intensity of participation in a specific Internet-delivered educational intervention to improve care to post-myocardial infarction (MI) patients. Methods: Primary-care physicians were recruited for participation in a randomized controlled trial designed to compare effectiveness of an intervention Web site versus a control Web site in the management of adult chronic disease. Physicians were informed that the intervention focused on ambulatory post-myocardial infarction patients. Physician characteristics were obtained from a commercial vendor with data merged from the American Medical Association and Alabama State Licensing Board. Enrollment and Web use were tracked electronically. Results: Out of a sample of 1337 eligible physicians, 177 (13.2%) enrolled in the study. Enrollment was higher for physicians with more post-MI patients (greater than or equal to 20 vs less than 20 patients, 15.3% vs 9.3%, P = 0.002) and for those practicing in rural compared to urban areas (16.3% vs 12.1%, P = 0.046). Intensity of use of the Internet courses after initial enrollment was not predicted by physician characteristics in the current sample. Discussion: Physicians with more post-MI patients and rural practice location were found to predict enrollment in an Internet-delivered continuing medical education (CME) intervention designed to improve care for post-MI patients. These factors predicted program interest but not program use. More research is needed to replicate these findings to investigate variables that determine physician engagement in Internet CME. (Contains 2 tables.)
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2010
Accession Number: EJ868311
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Introduction: Physician use of the Internet for practice improvement has increased dramatically over the last decade, but research shows that many physicians choose not to participate. The current study investigated the association of specific physician characteristics with enrollment rates and intensity of participation in a specific Internet-delivered educational intervention to improve care to post-myocardial infarction (MI) patients. Methods: Primary-care physicians were recruited for participation in a randomized controlled trial designed to compare effectiveness of an intervention Web site versus a control Web site in the management of adult chronic disease. Physicians were informed that the intervention focused on ambulatory post-myocardial infarction patients. Physician characteristics were obtained from a commercial vendor with data merged from the American Medical Association and Alabama State Licensing Board. Enrollment and Web use were tracked electronically. Results: Out of a sample of 1337 eligible physicians, 177 (13.2%) enrolled in the study. Enrollment was higher for physicians with more post-MI patients (greater than or equal to 20 vs less than 20 patients, 15.3% vs 9.3%, P = 0.002) and for those practicing in rural compared to urban areas (16.3% vs 12.1%, P = 0.046). Intensity of use of the Internet courses after initial enrollment was not predicted by physician characteristics in the current sample. Discussion: Physicians with more post-MI patients and rural practice location were found to predict enrollment in an Internet-delivered continuing medical education (CME) intervention designed to improve care for post-MI patients. These factors predicted program interest but not program use. More research is needed to replicate these findings to investigate variables that determine physician engagement in Internet CME. (Contains 2 tables.)
ISSN:0894-1912
DOI:10.1002/chp.20043