Videoconferenced continuing medical education in Nova Scotia

Videoconferencing has been used for continuing medical education (CME) in Nova Scotia since a pilot project to four communities in 1995. The Nova Scotia Telehealth Network was developed after the pilot project. Using the network, the videoconferenced CME programme expanded over the next few years until in, 2000-1, 66 programmes were broadcast to 38 sites. During the expansion of the programme, we improved video quality and developed efficient methods of: scheduling and planning the content of the videoconferences; training faculty presenters in videoconferencing techniques; and evaluation. We consider this programme represents a success. However, several aspects could be improved. Faculty members still need encouragement to make visual aids legible by videoconference and to provide handouts. Also, there has been little upgrading of equipment over the past four years and some reduction in the reliability of connections.