Objective:

To reassess the effectiveness and impact of mandatory online training modules for US physicians, focusing on engagement, learning outcomes, and patient safety.

Approach:

Key Findings:

• US physicians spend an estimated 4 million hours annually on mandatory training, costing around $800 million in lost productivity.
• Current training formats often lack interactivity and do not align with effective adult learning principles, as supported by a 2025 systematic review.
• Repetitive annual training on unchanged content does not significantly alter clinical behavior or improve outcomes.

Interpretation:

The current model of mandatory training prioritizes documentation over meaningful learning, which may compromise patient safety and hinder professional development.

Limitations:

• Regulatory training requirements accumulate over time without reevaluation, leading to inefficiencies.
• Health systems have limited incentives to change existing training requirements, which may perpetuate ineffective training.

Conclusion:

A targeted audit and redesign of mandatory training modules is necessary to enhance their effectiveness and ensure they contribute to patient safety and professional growth.

Sources:

• JAMA
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