Effects of continuing professional development on clinical performance: results of a study involving family practitioners in Quebec.

objectiveTo evaluate the link between the quantity and quality of continuing professional development (CPD) activities completed by family physicians in Quebec and the quality of their practice.

designRetrospective analysis of data collected during professional inspection visits (PIVs).

settingQuebec.

participantsThree groups were created from among Quebec family physicians who had been subject to PIVs (peer evaluation) by the Collège des médecins du Québec between 1998 and 2005. Group 1 was composed of physicians who were members of the College of Family Physicians of Canada, which requires participation in 250 hours of CPD in every 5-year cycle. Group 2 was composed of family physicians who were not members of the College of Family Physicians of Canada but who had declared at least 50 hours a year of CPD on their Collège des médecins du Québec annual notice of assessment for the same period. Group 3 was composed of family physicians who had declared fewer than 10 hours of CPD a year.

main outcome measuresDuring the PIV, the following characteristics were examined: record keeping, quality and number of hours of CPD activities, and quality of professional practice based on 3 components- clinical investigation, accuracy of diagnosis, and appropriateness of treatment plan and follow-up.

resultsThe factors associated with a high quality of practice were privileges in a hospital or local community health centre (institution) and a substantial number of accredited CPD hours (Mainpro-M1, Credit I, or Mainpro-C). The factors associated with a poor quality of practice were advanced age of the physician, absence of privileges in an institution (hospital or local community health centre), and participation in CPD activities that were more informal, such as reading and non-accredited activities (Mainpro-M2).

conclusionThis study supports earlier research showing that CPD activities of sufficient quality and quantity are correlated with a high quality of professional practice by family physicians.