Essential Area 2: Educational Planning and
Evaluation
Element 2.3
Communicate the purpose or objectives of the
activity so the learner is informed before participating in the
activity.
Defining the purpose or objectives of an
activity allows the planners to communicate clearly with potential
faculty, and helps learners to understand what will be presented. Many
presentation titles are very broad. "New Trends in Pain Management" is
not specific enough for learners to know what aspects of pain management
will be presented. It is not necessary to use a specific number of
objectives, although the number of objectives must be appropriate for
the length of the presentation. The presentation format should fit the
topic as well.
It is the responsibility of the planner(s) to
develop the objectives so that they reflect the needs of the learners as
defined in the needs assessments. The planner might be the DME,
member(s) of the CME Committee, or staff physician charged with
completing that task. Objectives may then be negotiated with the
presenter to incorporate new ideas or to adapt them based on expert
thought. If the speaker develops the objectives without guidance from
the provider, the topic may not address the specific needs that were
identified.
A regularly scheduled conference such as medical
grand rounds may use annual objectives if the CME Committee feels it
will serve the medical staff. However, annual objectives may not be
helpful when conference topics vary widely and cover a number of
clinical areas. In this instance, it may be more helpful to the
learner if, specific objectives are written for these presentations.
Objectives for each presentation assist the DME or CME Committee when
inviting a speaker. They convey the needs of the group to the presenter
and help both the presenter and participants to understand the goals of
the session.
Next Page: Element 2.4
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