Continuing education in general practice. 2. Impact of education activities.

Should continuing education for doctors be compulsory? Our study of General Practitioners in Queensland evaluated the usefulness of and preference for various types of educational activities. Lectures and consultants' letters were considered the most useful while pharmaceutical company evenings and visiting lecturers were most regularly attended. These latter activities were a useful source of medical knowledge: patient management skills were gained at weekend conferences; and procedural skills were obtained through hospital training courses.