Continuing medical education in Irish general practice.

Continuing Medical Education (CME) for Irish general practitioners (GPs) has become synonymous with peer review small group activities. The network of CME small groups has grown steadily over the past 20 years and is available throughout the country. These CME groups are run under the auspices of the Irish College of General Practitioners. Ninety percent of all Irish GPs are members of this organisation and 60% participate in CME small group activities on a regular basis. This article deals with the aims, working methods and evaluation procedures of these small groups. In addition, new forms of CME that are becoming of increasing importance to Irish GPs are also mentioned.