PESI as a CME Provider
I cannot provide a definitive assessment of PESI's reputation as a CME provider because the evidence provided does not contain any information about PESI (Professional Education Services Institute) specifically. The studies focus on CME effectiveness in general, not on evaluating individual CME providers or organizations.
What the Evidence Does Tell Us About Quality CME
To evaluate any CME provider, including PESI, you should look for these evidence-based quality markers:
Accreditation Status
- Verify accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), which is the recognized standard for CME quality in the United States 1
- Accreditation ensures CME activities meet defined standards for maintaining and developing physician knowledge and skills 1
Educational Methods Used
Effective CME uses interactive, multi-modal approaches rather than passive didactic lectures 1, 2:
- Live, interactive educational activities are more effective than print-only materials 1
- Multiple media formats (combining live sessions, written materials, online components) outperform single-medium approaches 1, 3
- Multiple exposures and longer durations optimize educational outcomes 1, 3
- Interactive techniques like audit/feedback, academic detailing, and reminders are most effective at changing physician behavior and patient outcomes 2
Evidence-Based Content
- Quality CME providers link education to quality improvement initiatives and use evidence-based criteria 1
- The American Academy of Family Physicians and other specialty societies have approved evidence-based criteria for CME credits 1
Practice-Relevant Design
Effective CME addresses identified gaps in patient care and includes needs assessment 1, 4:
- Programs should interface with quality improvement to address specific practice gaps 1
- Active-mode learning with targeted, multifaceted techniques is most effective for knowledge translation 1
How to Evaluate PESI or Any CME Provider
Before using any CME provider, verify:
- ACCME accreditation status (check www.accme.org) 1
- Educational methodology employed - avoid providers relying solely on didactic lectures 1, 2
- Use of multiple educational techniques and media 1, 3
- Evidence-based content with clear learning objectives 1
- Transparency about commercial support and potential conflicts of interest 1
The most effective CME for changing physician performance uses live or multiple media with interactive techniques, not passive didactic presentations 1, 2.