Mapping motivational factors for continuous medical education: insights from general practitioners with varying levels of participating in CME

General practitioners’ (GPs) participation in continuous medical education (CME) is crucial for patient care, GPs’ well-being and healthcare costs. Despite this, 25% of Danish GPs did not participate in CME in 2022. It is vital to understand motivational factors for engaging in CME. To analyze motivation for CME and differences in motivational factors among GPs with different levels of participating. A cross-sectional questionnaire informed from qualitative interviews was conducted among all 3257 GPs in Denmark in May 2023. The response rate was 40%. Responders were categorized as ‘frequent’, ‘partial’ and ‘infrequent’ CME users. We employed descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis to quantify predefined motivational factors. Free text comments were analyzed using systematic text condensation. We used self-determination theory as a framework in the interpretation. Most reported motivational factors were ‘relevant medical update’ (98%) and ‘topics of interest’ (96%). Financial incentives had a minor impact across all groups. Infrequent users were less easy to motivate and were more likely to state controlled motivational factors, e.g. a duty. Frequent and partial users of CME reported more autonomous motivation, i.e. personal development, collegial togetherness and professional well-being. Relevant medical updates that enhance perceived competence in patient care are crucial for all GPs. Infrequent users seem less motivated by avoiding burnout, collegial togetherness and well-being. We offer five recommendations for health authorities/CME providers:Increase perceived competenceFoster relatednessMaintain autonomyTest changesBe aware of fair remuneration. Increase perceived competence Foster relatedness Maintain autonomy Test changes Be aware of fair remuneration.