Continuing medical education and the competent family physician.

Several principles of adult education are explored in terms of how they relate to current practices in developing continuing medical education (CME) programs. The key to effective CME is its link with clinical competence. This entails reviewing how individual learning needs are determined, and how these needs are translated into programs. Ultimately, the success of CME depends on evaluating improvements in areas of physician knowledge, skills, and attitudes which will have a positive impact on health care delivery.