Continuing medical education. Changing behavior and improving outcomes.

A study was undertaken to determine if an intensive continuing medical education program in rheumatology could improve patient care. Fifteen primary care practitioners, who fit the description of educationally influential physicians, completed a 2-week academic medical center-based preceptorship. Improvement in physician knowledge, from a mean score of 65.3% to a mean of 82.9%, was documented using pre- and post-tests. Significant changes in physician behavior were documented using chart audits and patient interviews. The use of diagnostic tests and corticosteroids, and physician-patient interactions were the areas of greatest improvement. Functional outcomes for patients, measured by the Sickness Impact Profile, also improved. These findings suggest that a well-designed continuing medical education program can effect some changes in physician knowledge and behavior that will result in at least short-term improvement in patient outcomes.