Earning continuing medical education (CME) credits is essential for health professionals, allowing them to stay up to date with medicine.
However, staying informed about the latest developments in medicine is about more than maintaining licensure. It’s also essential to meet patient needs.
Discover the best ways to choose CME that benefits your practice (and why it matters) below.
How to Choose CME
When it comes time to choose CME courses, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. These factors include:
- CME type: There are many types of CME, from hands-on workshops and on-demand courses to test-item writing and journal articles.
- Schedule: Consider what fits into your schedule. On-demand courses are often more flexible, which works well for busy practitioners. If you have the time, you could opt for an in-person seminar.
- Learning style: In addition to CME types, consider your learning style. Are you more hands-on? Do you prefer reading, listening or demonstrations?
Of course, you should also look for ACCME-accredited CME to ensure it meets licensure requirements.
Selecting CME That Benefits Your Practice
While the above guidelines are integral to CME selection, you must also consider your patients. Depending on your specialty, you may encounter a range of conditions and illnesses. It’s important to stay up to date with the most relevant medical literature.
To tailor the CME experience to your practice, try:
- Looking for content that applies to specific populations
- Selecting topics that align with your specialty or practice goals
- Finding CME about common conditions you see, as well as treatments and comorbidities
- Attending CME that highlights patient-provider communication techniques
Keep these patient-related factors in mind, as they significantly impact the quality of care you provide.
Why It Matters for Patients
As a health professional, a primary concern is ensuring patient satisfaction and well-being. That means you are responsible for choosing CME that goes beyond the requirements. It also needs to benefit your patients.
Several ways high-quality CME affects patients include:
- Improved patient outcomes
- Reduced complications and hospitalizations
- Fewer errors and improved safety
- Increased medication and treatment adherence
- Enhanced patient education and health understanding
When you offer shared decision-making and mutual respect, people are more likely to feel satisfied with their care.
Why It Matters For You
CME helps you stay informed about the latest developments, including policy changes and new treatments. Your state medical board and workplace also likely require CME for licensure and certification, so it helps you keep your job.
Plus, the more you expand your skills, the more likely you are to be satisfied with your job and have career advancement opportunities.
Find CME Tailored to Your Practice Needs
Ready to explore CME that matches your interests and specialty and benefits your practice? Browse in-person, online and on-demand courses to get started!