Self directed learning and continuing medical education.

Self directed learning (SDL) for continuing medical education (CME) is the most effective approach for improving physician performance and patient care outcomes. Self directed learning is an essential basis for CME. However, instructor directed programs--particularly on-site conferences--remain the most popular method for acquiring CME. This article briefly examines the evolution of SDL and its importance in lifelong learning for general practice. The challenge for CME providers is to facilitate SDL while taking general practitioners' views and preferences into consideration.