Table 2 Exploratory factor analysis for the Chinese version of the Jefferson scale of physician lifelong learning

1. Rapid changes in medical science require constant updating of knowledge and development of new professional skills.

.77

.23

.15

2. I believe that I would fall behind if I stopped learning about new developments in my profession.

.73

.12

.33

3. One of the important goals of medical school is to develop students’ lifelong learning skills.

.70

.08

.27

4. Searching for the answer to a question is, in and by itself, rewarding.

.66

.35

-.07

5. Lifelong learning is a professional responsibility of all physicians.

.66

.33

-.00

6. I recognize my need to constantly acquire new professional knowledge.

.64

.45

.14

7. I routinely attend annual meetings of professional medical organizations

.14

.74

.24

8. I routinely attend continuing medical education programs to improve patient care.

.29

.70

.21

9. I take every opportunity to gain new knowledge/skills that are important to my profession.

.32

.69

.29

10. I always make time for self-directed learning, even when I have a busy practice schedule and other professional and family obligations.

.29

.59

.40

11. I enjoy reading articles in which issues of my professional interest are discussed.

.28

.57

.29

12. I read professional journals at least once every week.

.08

.23

.82

13. I routinely search computer databases to find out about new developments in my specialty.

.15

.24

.75

14. My preferred approach in finding an answer to a question is to search the appropriate computer databases.

.15

.28

.63

% Variance

23.63

20.54

16.29