Journal of Continuing Education in the Health Professions (11/14/23) Lucero, Katie Stringer; Williams, Betsy; Moore, Donald E. Jr.

Using hierarchical linear modeling, researchers investigated whether self-efficacy was higher when clinicians reinforced existing knowledge compared with learning something new. The study included 153 online continuing medical education (CME)-certified activities with knowledge and competence learning objectives and 48,243 learners with complete data. Data on knowledge/competence was collected using pre-post knowledge- or competence-based multiple choice questions, with change in knowledge/competence evaluated for each learner in every activity and post-CE self-efficacy measured with a question about the activity learning objectives. According to the data, higher post-self-efficacy ratings were seen among learners with higher post-CE activity scores. Additionally, learners who reinforced their knowledge had increased post-CE-self-efficacy ratings compared with improved learners. The findings demonstrate how when learning is reinforced, a clinician's self-efficacy is increased. As such, the researchers suggest, "CE planners should consider providing opportunities for clinicians to reinforce what they are learning during a CE activity."

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