Dimensions of Motivation for Continuing Medical Education of Primary Care Physicians

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the reasons and underlying dimensions of the motivations ofprimary care physicians for participating in continuing medical education (CME). Physicians rated the importance of 18 reasons for participating in CME on a Motivation for Continuing Medical Education (MCME) Inventory. Results indicated that the most important reasons were maintaining competence, increasing knowledge and skills, staying up to date, and enhancing patient care. The least important reasons werefinancial gain and improving their professional image and work situation. Comparisons ofphysicians'reasonsfor CME with the desires of the public and legislative bodies revealed both similarities and differences. A principal components analysis of the MCME items yielded six relatively independent underlying motivational dimensions accounting for 71% of the total variance: Competence and Patient Care. Collegial Interaction, Professional Enhancement, Efficiency, Respite from Practice, and Legal Concerns. It is suggested that these motivational dimensions may be helpful in the planning of continuing medical education programs.