Journal of Continuing Education in the Health Professions



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CURRENT ISSUE BACK ISSUES SUBSCRIBE ADVERTISE ABOUT JCEHP FOR AUTHORS JCEHP AWARD SEARCH (Members only) FULL-TEXT		Volume 29 (1) Volume 29, Issue 1, Winter 2009 J Contin Educ Health Prof 2009; 29(1):58-62 ORIGINAL RESEARCH Continuing medical education and professional revalidation in Europe: Five case examples Hervé Maisonneuve, Yves Matillon, Alfonso Negri, Luis Pallarés, Ricardo Vigneri, Howard L. Young A b s t r a c t Introduction: Since reliable information is scarce to describe continuing medical education (CME) and revalidation in Europe, we carried out a survey in 5 selected countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom). Methods: A tested questionnaire was sent to 2 experts per country (except in Germany), during August–September 2004. Results: In the analyzed countries medical societies, medical associations, and employers are the main CME providers. Pharmaceutical industry sponsorship accounts on the average for more than 50% of the CME financing in those countries. In all 5 countries, CME accreditation systems exist; the national health authorities and medical associations are mainly responsible for them. In France, Italy, and Germany CME is mandatory; in Spain and the United Kingdom it is voluntary. CME credits/points are mainly used for professional career purposes. Revalidation systems have not been introduced in any of these countries, although in the United Kingdom it is being introduced as part of a relicensing process. Discussion: Recommendations for the implementation of a European system of CME/CPD harmonization are made by the authors. Lessons for Practice Creating national systems of CME/CPD accreditation should be considered to guide the improvement of educational programs for physicians. The feasibility and usefulness of accreditation systems in European countries should be the shared responsibility of health authorities and medical associations. One harmonization system at the European level could facilitate the homologation of national CME/CPD credits, and, consequently, the free circulation of physicians among EU countries. Since the pharmaceutical industry is the main sponsor of CME/CPD in Europe, regulation of commercial sponsorship is needed. National CME/CPD accreditation systems can facilitate the implementation of medical revalidation initiatives.
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