March 2001 • Volume 7 • Number 3
Pilot project to test CME accreditation system
The pilot project for using AAFP's New Criteria for Evaluating and Categorizing the Clinical Content of CME begins this month, one of several phases before the national launch of the criteria Jan. 1, 2002.
David Baldwin:
"The Academy strongly believes an evidence-based approach to CME will lead to improved medical practice and patient outcomes."The new criteria, developed by the Commission on Continuing Medical Education, encourage AAFP-accredited CME providers to incorporate the principles of evidence-based medicine into their CME programs on an optional, incremental basis.
"The Academy strongly believes an evidence-based approach to CME will help ensure the validity of clinical content and will lead to improved medical practice and patient outcomes," says David Baldwin, AAFP's manager of CME accreditation.
The new criteria reflect concerns that current accreditation systems may allow credit for CME activities promoting unproven therapies. In particular, it has been difficult to apply existing accreditation procedures fairly and consistently to CME courses discussing complementary and alternative practices.
The new criteria establish consistent standards for both traditional and alternative therapies. Any clinical content will be eligible for Prescribed credit if it is evidence-based or customary and generally accepted medical practice. CME content that is neither evidence-based nor customary and generally accepted practice but is not dangerous will be eligible for Elective credit.
A blueprint for the new system was sent for comment to chapters, national CME accrediting agencies and other medical groups last fall. Comments ranged from lauding the AAFP for its leadership in encouraging a move toward evidence-based learning to concerns that the new system would pose a burden on providers seeking approval for evidence-based clinical content.
Eighteen state, regional and national organizations will pilot the system through the summer. To ease into the system, pilot providers are encouraged to incorporate principles of evidence-based medicine into just one or two presentations at a CME event. This may result in "split" credit -- a combination of Prescribed and Elective.
Data collected from the pilot groups by May will be considered by the COCME in June. The commission will make recommendations to the Board, which will then revise the criteria, implementation plan and materials.
A formal announcement of the national launch of the criteria will be sent to AAFP CME providers, chapters and colleague organizations this fall.
COCME members, a new subcommittee, consultants and staff will assist providers in adapting to the new system.
FP Report is published by the AAFP News Department.
Copyright © 2001 by American Academy of Family Physicians.
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