A comparative study of viewpoints of subjects liable to continuous medical education (CME) about the method of presentation of programs in 2011

Electronic Continuous Medical Education (CME) is not common in Iran. Considering the convenience of virtual education and availability of essential infrastructure for virtual CME، it is important to understand opinions of medical practitioners about this method. This study aims to evaluate the opinions of physicians participating in CME programs of Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical science about the method of presentation of programs including face to face and electronic (virtual) education. This study was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Data were collected by a self-structured questionnaire. The validity and reliability of the questioner was confirmed by panel of experts. The questionnaire completed by 98 general practitioners. Mean age of participants was 41. 9 years، 62% of them were males. Fifty six participants (57. 1%) selected electronic education as the most favorite method of presentation of CME. Among traditional presentations، lectures (58. 1%) and practical workshops (38. 7%) were the most favoriteand among virtual (electronic) programs، self-education by CD and online programs were the most favorite. According to the findings، tendency to virtual (electronic) CME programs has increased among physicians. Further development and full establishment of this method can save time of participants and make a variety of programs more available.