Description

As a medium for imparting CME, the medical journal is at a disadvantage. First and foremost most of us are inundated with more material than we can possibly read or digest; a lot of it simply makes a one way journey into an ever-enlarging to-be-read pile. Much of what we do read is largely irrelevant to our clinical practice and, human nature being what it is, we tend to focus our attention on those areas that interest us most rather than those we most need to brush-up on.

I am sure this goes a long way to explaining the initial reluctance on the part of the Royal Colleges to the notion of awarding CME credits for merely reading journals. However, combine high quality and relevant clinical material with the simple device of an MCQ test to validate participation and you have an acceptable form of distance learning; which in the case of this journal is worth 3 CME credits per issue. The fact that this is actually a rather cost-effective way of obtaining external CME has been acknowledged by CME budget-holders around the country, most of whom will now fund the modest administrative charges involved in processing the MCQs.

If you do find time to read most of this issue why not rise to the challenge of the MCQs and then apply for your CME credits?

In the UK the emergence of the concept of clinical governance will undoubtedly have a significant impact on many aspects of our professional lives including continuing professional development and clinical audit. The onus will be on the professional to prove their continuing competence. We will need to demonstrate our ability to integrate life-long learning into busy everyday clinical practice. In short we will need to demonstrate that we practice Evidence-based Medicine (EBM). For those who have not yet become disciples of EBM this issue contains the third in a series of introductory articles which I hope will inspire you to further reading in this area. We would also particularly welcome the submission of short articles that illustrate the principles of EBM.

Also within this issue is a second article on the vocabulary of ageing and a thoughtful and stimulating contribution on the interaction between health and social care. There are several articles with an urological/renal bent, a review of asthma, and a definitive review on the indications for pacing in the elderly. Hopefully something for everyone. Please continue sending in your comments and contributions.

David Lubel
Editor