Needs Assessment

Education Planning and Evaluation

Element 2.1 "The provider must use a planning process(es) that links identified educational needs with a desired result in its provision of all CME activities".

Element 2.2 "The provider must use needs assessment data to plan CME activities"

Since the ultimate goal of providing CME is to impact the quality of health care provided by our physicians it is essential that we identify methods which will determine exactly what it is our physicians need or want to learn. These needs take the form of "real needs" such as those identified in a quality assurance study, or "perceived needs" or needs based on personal interest. In either case, it is important to document such needs either in the minutes of the program planning meeting, and/or on the CME Activity Planning Form.

The following list outlines some needs identification sources which can be utilized for CME planning:

• Quality Assurance Reports
• Informal Conversations with Medical Staff
• Review of basic medical information
• Evaluation of previous CME activities
• Health Statistics of the Hospital (i.e.: Morbidity, Mortality)

By using the above methods for identifying the need for CME activities, we are more likely to provide relevant programs that will enhance the quality of our health care delivery system.