60 Improving the participation of healthcare professionals in continuing medical education activities (CMEs) in anuradhapura district in northcentral province – sri lanka

Background Teaching Hospital Anuradhapura[THA] is the largest tertiary care hospital in Anuradhapura district(1100000 population, area 7179 km² with 82 health institutions). I held presidency of Anuradhapura Clinical Society(ACS),which is the leading clinical academic society in Northcentral Province and led the council(two secretaries, two treasurers and 46 council members) in 2018/2019. Main objective of ACS is to organise CMEs for healthcare professionals in the district(92 specialists & 357 doctors). Poor participation was evident especially from peripheries. Lack of awareness about CMEs, logistical difficulties to travel, difficulties in getting time-off were identifiable causes. Aims Improve participation of healthcare professionals of the Province in CMEs at THA. Methods Repeated discussions with the council members, administrators and medical officers covering all institutions were used to get ideas and feedback. Multiple interventions were implemented such as, innovative methods to increase awareness of CMEs(internet based social media, posting information flyers, phone reminders), supporting to get time-off, pre-arranged transportation for peripheral doctors, engaging target group in organising(giving ownership) and methods to attract participants. Involvement of eminent speakers, use of accessible and attractive external venues, organising events for other staff were done. Results Number of CMEs organised increased from 18 to 29(2018/19). Mean number of participants for an event increased from 62 to 91. Participation of doctors from peripheries and THA increased. Participation of peripheral doctors increased by 19.2 fold compared to 2017/18.378 other health professionals participated (54.7% from peripheries). Conclusions In comparison to 2017/18, participation and enthusiasm among health professionals about CMEs increased. Perseverance and innovation with maximum membership involvement, teamwork and multisectoral collaboration contributed to success.