Medical education in prepaid settings. Synthesis of the literature using the case survey method

Reports in the literature that describe the use of prepaid settings for medical education are typically anecdotal. Synthesis of this information was accomplished using the case survey method, an approach that uses a common conceptual framework to combine case studies. A total of 18 references published between 1973 and 1986, describing the educational activities in 12 HMOs, were identified. Each reference was analyzed using a checklist composed of forced-choice items grouped into five categories: classification of HMO, type and extent of teaching program, organizational relationship between HMO and medical school, "scholarly" focus of HMO, and involvement of trainees in monitoring resource utilization. Many gaps were identified in the literature, especially those related to the mechanisms of financing the educational program and the types of organizational linkages between the medical school and the HMO. These gaps indicate the need for more systematic research to aid planners of future educational programs.