Training doctors in general practices: a review of the literature.

Full Abstract

OBJECTIVE:
This study was undertaken to assess the evidence of whether new forms of medical training, where substantial training takes place in general practice, will be acceptable to GPs. In particular, we asked the questions:
Are GPs willing to act as trainers and supervisors in their practices? Do GPs have the appropriate skills to be trainers? Do practices have the infrastructure and resources to support placements? And, are patients happy to be seen by medical students and General Practice Registrars?

DESIGN:
Key Australian and international databases, key Australian journals and key Australian websites were searched for literature on general practice-based training of medical students and General Practice Registrars.

RESULTS:
In the international and Australian literature, we found that many GPs consider training medical students and General Practice Registrars to be intrinsically satisfying. They vary in their skills, and most medical schools have made significant investments in training and support activities. Many practices do not have the necessary infrastructure, and investments need to be made if extended placements are to be successful. Many patients are happy to be seen by students and Registrars, but careful thought needs to be given to implementing appropriate models so that students have good learning opportunities, patients are not disadvantaged and general practices can operate efficiently.

CONCLUSION:
The success of this new model of clinical placements is dependent on medical schools having a detailed understanding of the needs and expectations of GPs.

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Author information

Author/s: Larsen, Karen (K); Perkins, David (D);

Affiliation: Centre for Equity and Primary Health Research in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven (CEPHRIS), Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Wollongong DC, NSW 2500, Australia. k.larsen(-atsign-)unsw.edu.au

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; Review

Journal: The Australian journal of rural health (Aust J Rural Health), published in Australia. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2006-Oct; vol 14 (issue 5) : pp 173-7

Dates: Created 2006/10/11; Completed 2007/02/08;

PMID: 17032291, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

Comments and Corrections

CommentIn: Aust J Rural Health. 2006 Oct;14(5):171-2. (PMID: 17032290)

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Australia
Clinical Competence
Competency-Based Education - organization & administration
Education, Medical - organization & administration
Evidence-Based Medicine - education

Family Practice - education
Humans
Medical Staff, Hospital - education
Models, Educational
National Health Programs - organization & administration

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