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Continuing Medical Education of General Practitioners in XXX – An Observational Study Conducted in XXX in 2025

Lena EVEN, Jean-Francois MICHELM and Maria PORTELA

Continuing medical education (CME) is a professional duty and a legal requirement for physicians in many European countries. However, in Country XXX, no structured national framework for CME accreditation, evaluation, or financial support currently exists. Understanding current CME practices is essential to guide the development of an effective and equitable system.This study aimed to describe the CME activities, preferences, and perceived challenges among general practitioners (GPs) in Country XXX, and to identify priorities for improving the national CME framework.A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted between March and April 2025 among registered GPs in Country XXX. Data were collected through an anonymous online questionnaire including closed and open-ended questions. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, while free-text responses provided qualitative insights into individual experiences and expectations.A total of 174 GPs completed the survey, representing a substantial proportion of the national GP population. Most participants engaged regularly in CME, combining various formats such as face-to-face events, digital learning, and self-directed study. While in-person education remained central, digital formats and self-study units were increasingly valued for their flexibility. Scientific independence from pharmaceutical sponsorship emerged as a key quality criterion. Participants reported several barriers of the current system, including insufficient thematic diversity, lack of centralized coordination and accreditation, limited visibility of existing opportunities and absence of financial support.CME among GPs in Country XXX is widely practiced and marked by a growing diversity of learning formats. However, significant structural gaps remain. The findings underline the need for a more coherent national strategy that guarantees independence, transparency, and equitable access to high-quality CME.A national CME framework, featuring accreditation, quality assurance, and a central digital platform, would help integrate CME as an inherent part of professional practice. Reinforcing these structures is crucial to sustain medical competence, foster continuous professional development, and enhance patient-centred care.