Efficacy of traditional continuing medical education in changing physician knowledge and behavior in the care of patients with acute myocardial infarction.

In a controlled study, we assessed the effectiveness of a 2 hour traditional CME program in changing the knowledge and behavior of 23 family physicians caring for 123 patients with acute myocardial infarction. Although significant immediate gains in knowledge occurred, these gains were not translated into significant improvements on 33 patient care practices as assessed by a special medical audit instrument.