3A-S2-5

A COUNTRYWIDE PROGRAMME OF CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (CPD) IN ARGENTINA

Lejarraga, H; Ageitos, ML; Galli, A.

Sociedad Argentina de Pediatría-Buenos Aires, Argentina

 

The Argentine Society of Paediatrics (SAP) introduced in 1993 a CPD programme to raise standards of clinical practice. Its nature was a structured distance learning programme, accessible to all paediatricians in the country, but specially designed to include also those working far from centres of paediatric excellence. It includes: 1) a written manual designed by a team of medical experts and educationalists (12 topics per year), 2) field work for participants, 3) annual meetings in several locations in the country for group discussion of the subjects, 4) multiple choice questionnaire for evaluation, distributed by post. The inscription fee is accessible to all paediatricians, and the Society uses its full administrative organisation for supporting all aspects of the programme (logistic, financial, etc). The programme started in 1993 with 3357 participants and ever since, this number has been continuously increased up to 6328 in 2000 (49.7% of all paediatricians members of SAP). Seventy one per cent of the participants are women, and 25.6% live in areas far from academic centres.

An audit carried out in 1999 showed that the programme has an impact on clinical practice. This CPD initiative enrols a large percentage of colleagues, it can help professional standards and enhance self esteem of the paediatrician.