The use of standardized patients in the performance of a needs assessment and development of a CME intervention in rheumatology for primary care physicians.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the feasibility of using standardized patients in the performance of a needs assessment and subsequent development of a continuing medical education (CME) intervention in rheumatology for family physicians.

METHODS

Eight family physicians and 7 rheumatologists undertook 36 encounters with standardized patients simulating 3 common rheumatologic complaints. Encounters were assessed according to a predetermined score addressing issues of communication skills, clinical diagnosis, investigations, and management. Data obtained were used to develop a small group problem based learning event.

RESULTS

Mean scores differed considerably between rheumatologists and family physicians (7.2 vs 3.6; possible range -3 to +9), between individuals within the 2 groups (rheumatologists 2.5 to +9; family physicians -1 to 6.5), and between cases. Specific areas of individual and group need for the development of a subsequent CME intervention were identified and included communication skills, clinical skills in the development of a differential diagnosis, appropriate use and interpretation of investigations, and appropriate management.

CONCLUSION

Standardized patients can be effectively used to undertake a needs assessment in rheumatology. Specific data can be used to develop a small group problem based learning program with objectives meeting the identified needs and using the same standardized patients.