Primary health care physicians' knowledge, use, and attitude towards online continuous medical education in Saudi Arabia

OBJECTIVE: To determine the knowledge, attitude, and use of primary health care (PHC) physicians of online continuous medical education (OCME) in the regions of Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

METHODS: This is a cross-sectional analysis using a self administered questionnaire. The physician sample was selected to cover all Riyadh regions (city of Riyadh, and all accessible clinics in the villages, and cities outside of Riyadh). The study was conducted from April until May 2007. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences software version 12.

RESULTS: Out of the 613 questionnaires distributed, 483 was completed and returned. Approximately two-thirds of the participants are aware of OCME. Almost all were interested to learn more regarding OCME. Although 80% of the participants are currently using the internet to obtain medical knowledge, only one-third are using OCME. Ninety percent of those who are using OCME think that it will improve their patient's care. The use of OCME is significantly related to the level of computer skills the physicians have. There was no statistical significant difference on the use of OCME on one hand, and age, gender, level of education, years of experience, and location on the other hand.

CONCLUSION: The PHC physicians have favorable attitude towards OCME, however, their use is quite minimal. More effort is needed to encourage our physicians to utilize this promising method of continuous education, and to understand the challenges and obstacles against using it.