Mandatory Training Modules Deserve a Harder Look

A JAMA Viewpoint argues that 4 million physician-hours spent on compliance modules each year warrants institutional reassessment.

By
Kerri Miller
April 16, 2026
3 min

MDSpire News

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.