Learning by distance for general practitioners: students' experiences of Goodfellow Unit diplomas

To examine students' reasons for studying and their learning experiences in the Goodfellow Unit postgraduate distance learning diplomas.

A survey was sent to all students currently enrolled in the Goodfellow Unit diplomas in emergency, sports and geriatric medicine.

The response rate was 63%. Students had enrolled to gain more skills on their present job for personal satisfaction or for personal interest. Students reported difficulties in fitting study into already busy lives, but general satisfaction with the learning format of videotaped lecture sessions plus written study guides. They also reported having to develop a different method of learning from their undergraduate study methods. Students predicted a number of ways of improving learning outcomes.

Distance learning is a viable option for busy general practitioners, as long as it can be self paced, practical and relevant to the work situation.