A continuous curriculum for general practice? Proposals for undergraduate-postgraduate collaboration

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• General Practice Training
• Curriculum Development

Background:

• The integration of undergraduate and postgraduate medical education is crucial for developing a seamless general practice curriculum.
• Concerns exist regarding excessive reductionism in lifelong learning, necessitating a balanced approach.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss the development of a spiral curriculum for general practice.
• To explore undergraduate-postgraduate cooperation in medical training.
• To emphasize the importance of intellectual engagement in medical education.

Main Methods:

• The study discusses a 'spiral' curriculum model where topics are revisited with increasing complexity.
• It highlights the importance of integrating taught theory with hospital-based training.
• Focuses on general practice at the core of undergraduate education, emphasizing primary healthcare teams.

Main Results:

• Directly observed measures of performance can align undergraduate assessment with postgraduate general practice standards.
• Joint working between undergraduate departments and postgraduate colleagues offers significant benefits.
• Supporting the tutors' network is vital for successful curriculum implementation.

Conclusions:

• A spiral curriculum fosters intellectual interest by combining theoretical knowledge with practical hospital training.
• Undergraduate-postgraduate cooperation in general practice training is essential for developing core competencies.
• Effective support for tutors and collaborative efforts are key to enhancing medical education.