Online learning threatens live CME events
5 Oct 2005
The rise in electronic continuing medical education (eCME) has fuelled
speculation that the technology will eventually eliminate the need for live
events. However, a new study by Cutting Edge Information shows that
pharmaceutical companies are showing no signs of ceasing their support for
live CME events.
Besides compliance, technology has arguably been the next biggest driver
of CME evolution in the pharmaceutical industry. Regardless, the industry
recognizes the advantages of live events compared to education delivered
online through Web seminars or Podcasts. In fact, Cutting Edge found that
78.5% of surveyed companies' annual CME budgets are allocated for live
events compared to only 19.3% for eCME.
Most interviewed executives indicated that live events showed more
promise for directly impacting medical behaviour and learning. (See
"Pharmaceutical Executive" article addressing the prevalence of live CME
events)
"Our data shows that although eCME is on the rise, pharmaceutical
executives should not discount the reality that live events are preferred
more by physicians than are eCME opportunities," said Senior Research
Analyst Elio Evangelista. "For now, the proof is in the numbers — more
pharmaceutical companies are relying on live events to satisfy CME goals."
eCME is a technology coming into its own in the pharmaceutical industry
and participation continues to grow among physicians. Although eCME will not
replace live events, many industry experts feel it may become the perfect
complement to live programs and an adequate substitute for physicians who
cannot travel to live events.
"Pharmaceutical CME: Measuring Program Effectiveness in the Compliance
Environment" provides solutions to the top challenges faced by CME
departments on a daily basis, including: performance measurement, grants
process standardization and improvement * The effect of compliance
guidelines on CME strategy, and structural separation between commercial and
medical operations.
A
summary of the report can be downloaded from Cutting Edge.
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