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Abstract

Objective: To explore the perceptions of Continuing Medical Education participants about the improvement of patient care through Continuing Medical Education activities and to explore the factors hampering or favouring improvement of patient care through Continuing Medical Education activities.
Study Design: Qualitative phenomenological study.
Place and Duration of Study: University of Health Sciences, Lahore, from Dec 2016 to May 2017.
Methodology: In qualitative phenomenological study conducted at University of Health Sciences, Lahore from Dec 2016 to May 2017, semi structured in-depth interviews were conducted individually from 10 General Practitioners which were audiorecorded and transcribed. Code labels were assigned manually and grouped together into broader themes. Interpretation ofthemes was done after thematic analysis.
Results: Two participants were female and ten were male with experience ranging between 20-38 years. Three main themes with sub-themes were identified: (1) positive talk (Affirming the link between Continuing Medical Education and improved patient care), (2) negative talk (perceived hindrances in gaining full benefit from Continuing Medical Education activities), (3) concerns regarding current Continuing Medical Education activities.
Conclusion: Participants were found inclined towards Continuing Medical Education activities and felt more confident and comfortable in managing their patients. However, they felt that physicians working in rural areas were dealing directly with all sorts of patients and were more in need of targeted and tailored Continuing Medical Education activities.