Understanding Moore’s Outcomes Framework

• Stotalis CME
• October 12, 2025

Measuring the impact of Continuing Medical Education (CME) goes far beyond counting attendance or awarding credit hours. In modern CME, success is defined by how well the education closes identified learning gaps and improves clinical outcomes.

One of the most widely recognized tools for this purpose is Moore’s Outcomes Framework. Developed by Donald E. Moore Jr., PhD, and colleagues, this model provides a structured, evidence-based way to evaluate CME effectiveness across multiple levels, from participation to changes in community health.

Why We Use Moore’s Outcomes Framework

The framework helps CME providers move from simply tracking activity completion to assessing meaningful changes in knowledge, competence, performance, and patient outcomes. It offers a common language for educators, accreditors, and stakeholders to discuss the true value of educational interventions.

By using this model, we ensure our activities are not only well-attended but also capable of driving measurable improvements in healthcare delivery.

The Seven Levels of Outcomes

Moore’s Outcomes Framework progresses through seven distinct levels:

1. Participation: Tracking how many learners engage with the activity.
2. Satisfaction: Measuring whether learners found the activity relevant and worth their time.
3. Learning: Assessing changes in factual knowledge through pre- and post-tests.
4. Competence: Evaluating learners’ ability to apply knowledge to clinical scenarios.
5. Performance: Measuring actual changes in clinical practice, often through self-reports, chart audits, or EHR data.
6. Patient Health: Documenting measurable improvements in patient outcomes linked to the education.
7. Community Health: Assessing broader population-level impact, such as reduced disease incidence or improved public health metrics.

Not every activity will achieve all seven levels, but designing with the higher levels in mind ensures the activity has the potential to create lasting change.

Aligning Education With the Framework

We integrate Moore’s framework into our planning process from the very beginning. That means:

• Designing learning objectives that can be linked to measurable outcomes.
• Selecting assessment tools that match the targeted outcome level, such as case-based evaluations for competence or follow-up surveys for performance.
• Collecting relevant data to evaluate whether the activity achieved its intended impact.

This approach ensures that measurement is not an afterthought but a core part of the educational strategy.

Using the Data for Continuous Improvement

The most valuable part of the framework is not just proving that an activity worked; it is using the results to improve future programming. Outcome data allows us to:

• Identify where learners still struggle and address those areas in follow-up activities.
• Adjust instructional design to improve engagement or knowledge retention.
• Demonstrate value to accrediting bodies, partners, and learners by showing real-world impact.

This continuous feedback loop is what keeps CME responsive, relevant, and evidence-driven.

Raising the Standard for CME

In a healthcare environment that demands accountability and measurable results, Moore’s Outcomes Framework offers a gold standard for evaluating CME. It shifts the focus from attendance to impact, ensuring that every educational investment delivers value, not just in theory, but in actual patient care improvements.

By applying this framework, we hold ourselves to a higher standard and ensure our programming remains focused on what matters most: better care for patients and healthier communities.