Debunking CME Planning Myths: Tips for Simplification

ACCME Highlights (10/25/22)

Three continuing medical education (CME) planning leaders dispel accreditation myths and offer tips to streamlining the CME planning process. One myth is that the activity course chair is required to fill out the CME activity planning form. However, there is a good deal of flexibility in terms of how activity planning and documentation data are collected. Stanford University School of Medicine Executive Director of CME Kurt Snyder suggests creating a process map describing the faculty member's role in the process and considering strategies for simplifying it. Another myth is the idea that accredited providers must publish learning objectives with at least one goal for each topic within an activity and document them for the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education. "Consider drafting objectives, a session description and any other information needed, and sharing with your planning committee and/or faculty for their input," advises Pri-Med's vice president of Accreditation, Mindi Daiga. An additional myth is that it is better to over-collect disclosures from people just to be careful. However, doing so can waste time and does not increase compliance. American College of Physician Program Administrator Elizabeth Nettleton explains, "Having the correct practices and demonstrating these practices succinctly is all you need."

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