Distance education. Part 2. Student characteristics, program characteristics, administration and future direction

A descriptive analysis of student and program characteristics was undertaken.

Data were obtained using student enrollment forms, periodic surveys and regular feedback which formed part of the formative evaluation.

In the five year period 1992-1996, 433 doctors enrolled in the Graduate Diploma, of which 56 proceeded onto Masters. Of the 433, 60% were male. The mean age of students was 41 years, with rural (49%) and solo (45%) practitioners over-represented; 20% held the FRACGP and 15% resided outside Australia. Around 20% deferred or withdrew during the five year period. Of the 56 Masters enrollments, 16 had completed the degree in minimum time, with a further 30 completing within two years. Reasons for enrollment were largely professional with many students expressing the need to overcome isolation and gain intellectual stimulation.

This Diploma/Masters course which has a strong clinical component has attracted considerable interest among established general practitioners. The program appears to have succeeded because of its flexible delivery, lack of exclusive research orientation and its firm grounding in general practice.