‘Dr. Cochrane’: an innovative approach to continuing medical education using Cochrane reviews

Article type
Authors
Moja L1, Ueffing E2, Linklater S3, Moayyedi P4, Schaafsma ME2, Tugwell P5, Grimshaw J6
1University of Milan, Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Italy
2Canadian Cochrane Centre, Canada
3Canadian Cochrane Centre and the Effective Practice and Organisation of Care Group, Canada
4Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, McMaster University, Canada
5Centre for Global Health, Institute of Population Health, and Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Canada
6Canadian Cochrane Centre and Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Canada
Abstract
Background: The Canadian Cochrane Centre is using Cochrane Reviews addressing gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal conditions to develop a comprehensive suite of online continuing educational and professional development (CEPD) modules targeting Canadian family physicians and other healthcare professionals.

Objectives: –To promote evidence-based management of common gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal conditions. –To strengthen the availability of high-quality information resources for Canadian family physicians and other healthcare professionals (especially those in remote/rural settings who have difficulties accessing traditional continuing professional development activities). –To build Canadian capacity to take a global leadership position in the further development of Cochrane educational activities.

Methods: The modules include questions and answers corresponding to a fictional vignette featuring ‘Dr. Cochrane’ and based on published Cochrane Reviews. Vignette topics are chosen by the Cochrane Review Groups, family physicians, and specialists according to quality, relevance, and potential impact. The modules are produced by The Cochrane Collaboration (i.e. Canadian and Italian Centres), Wiley-Blackwell Publishing and the University of Ottawa Continuing Medical Education Office.

Results: The Review Groups have identified module topics, and vignette writing is underway with a goal of 70 vignettes. The modules have been approved for credit with the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education. An e-learning platform has been developed to host Dr. Cochrane stories. Modules will be launched online in 2013.

Conclusions: The ‘Dr. Cochrane’ initiative will engage family physicians in a unique learning activity that will enable them to improve patient outcomes and the efficient use of healthcare system resources. Funding Sources: A CIHR Knowledge Translation Supplement Grant provided funding for this work.