Evidence-Based CME

In 2002, the AAFP established criteria for evaluating and categorizing the clinical content of CME. CME providers are encouraged to incorporate the principles of evidence-based medicine (EBM) into CME. This is an opportunity to offer physicians another dimension of CME. The AAFP strongly believes an evidence-based approach to CME will help ensure the validity of CME clinical content and lead to improved medical practice and patient outcomes. Evidence-based CME is optional.

As of January 1, 2005, CME activities receiving the AAFP evidence-based CME (EB CME) designation will earn double credit for the portion designated as EB CME. The AAFP’s Commission on Continuing Professional Development (COCPD) believes that 2 for 1 credit for physicians will increase the use and recognition of this type of enhanced CME, and that it demonstrates the added value of CME based on evidence.

Consider a CME activity approved for 14 Prescribed credits, 10 of which are designated as EB CME. The EB CME portion would receive double credit, resulting in a grand total of 24 Prescribed credits [4+(10x2)=24] available for physicians to claim.

The first time that an EB CME activity is presented, CME faculty who develop the content may receive double credit equivalent to that awarded to the learners. AAFP members may self-report Prescribed credit for teaching, up to a maximum of 60 credits per election cycle.

Please review the Faculty Responsibilities in Designing EB CME Content (Microsoft Word file: 1 page/91 KB. More information on downloading files.) form that lists step by step what each faculty member should do when developing EB CME content.

For each topic requesting EB CME designation, the CME provider must include a completed AAFP Faculty Documentation form with their CME application. Use this form to list each practice recommendation; name of EBM source; specific URL if using a Web site, or the name of the journal with volume, issue and page number if using a journal article; and strength of evidence. The provider must also print and submit copies of specific Web page(s) where the supporting evidence is cited or a copy of the source article with the supporting evidence highlighted. One to three practice recommendations are needed per topic. CME providers and faculty may view examples of practice recommendations previously approved by AAFP.

The completed CME application and all EB CME documentation must be submitted by the CME provider to the AAFP no less than 30 days prior to the CME activity date. Individual faculty must submit their EB CME documentation to their CME provider and not directly to the AAFP. The 30-day review process begins when the completed CME application, all supporting documentation and the accreditation review fee are received by the AAFP. AAFP requires 30 days for the review process. Retroactive EB CME approval cannot be awarded.

There is no additional review fee when requesting EB CME designation.

Once an activity has been approved for AAFP EB CME designation, the CME provider must disclose the following information in writing to their learners:

The CME provider will receive the AAFP EB CME credit statement with their official CME credit approval. CME providers may also use the AAFP EB CME logo within their promotional materials. The topics approved for AAFP EB CME designation should be noted in the CME activity's agenda.

Topics approved for AAFP EB CME designation may be selected for a post-event audit. At that time, documentation that relevant EB CME information has been disclosed to learners in writing will be requested for review. This will ensure that the practice recommendations and the clinical content of the CME activity are consistent with the evidence cited.

After the completion of the CME activity, AAFP members should report the total number of Prescribed and Elective credits earned. It is not necessary for members to label credit as evidence-based CME for reporting purposes.