Abstract: This paper offers an analysis and evaluation of obstacles to the continuing medical education of physician-practitioners associated with private community hospitals, as delineated in a study of the use of the educational keys (publications, lectures, exhibits, chart audits, consultation, house-staff teaching, and research). It is concluded that obstacles may result from lack of understanding of the professional interests and needs of the physician-practitioner and the improper and unskillful employment of educationl keys; and that these obstacles affect his continuing medical education according to the following groups: 1) those that affect the physician when he participates indirectly, 2) those that affect him when he participates directly, and 3) those that affect his motivation to participate. Recommendations are offered for the alleviation or removal of these barriers. © 1968 The American Geriatrics Society.
