Table 1.

Key components necessary for the ideal lifelong learning program. Based on concepts from adult learning theory and the educational cycle, the key characteristics listed below are fundamental for development of any lifelong learning educational program.

Key Component	Description
Learning Objectives	Learning objectives should be clear, attainable, and communicate the intended educational goals
Evidenced-Based Medicine	Educational programs should incorporate the latest evidence-based medicine including clinical practice guidelines In domains where evidence and guidelines are sparse, expert consensus statements may be acceptable
Translatable to Clinical Practice	Educational programs should be created with the intent to improve the management of patients with cardiovascular disease utilizing clinical cases and other “real-world” applications
Smart Use of Technology	Lifelong learning initiatives should identify and incorporate novel technology with the goal of improving content delivery while maintaining quality and ease of use
Efficiency	Educational programs need to be concise and efficient in their requirements for successful completion
Critical Assessment of Programs	Ongoing critical assessment of lifelong learning programs by both the educators and learners is key to ensure programs remain relevant and optimized for meeting their educational objectives