Internet-Based Continuing Medical Education in Otolaryngology: A Survey of Canadian Otolaryngologists

Objective: To assess the readiness of the Canadian otolaryngology community for an on-line continuing medical education (CME) program. Methods: Data were obtained through surveys mailed to members of the Canadian Society of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Results: Two hundred and eight of 321 (65%) surveys were returned. Seventy-six percent of the respondents indicated that they would be interested in participating in an on-line CME course. A greater proportion of younger otolaryngologists and those with community-based practices were interested in participating. A greater number of those with an academic practice were found to have convenient access to the Internet, the ability to post images on-line, and encountered cases they felt worthy of discussion and were willing to instruct/facilitate future on-line CME. Ninety-three percent of respondents described having easy access to the Internet, but only 32% said that they have the equipment necessary to post computed tomographic scans/audiograms on-line. Twenty-three percent had previous computer-based CME experience. Sinusitis and related topics were of greatest interest, with hearing loss/ear surgery and oncology following respectively. Conclusions: The data suggest that on-line CME would be welcomed and are feasible in the Canadian otolaryngology community.