Family Medicine Diploma Program in Jordan: Components for Success and Sustainability

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Family Medicine Training
• Primary Care Development

Background:

• Limited residency positions in Jordan create a need for enhanced general practitioner (GP) training.
• Most Jordanian medical graduates work as GPs without completing residency.
• A significant gap exists in well-trained GPs to meet overwhelming demand.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a new diploma program designed to enhance GP expertise in Jordan.
• To assess the program's impact using Kirkpatrick's four-level evaluation model.
• To identify strategies for ensuring the program's long-term sustainability.

Main Methods:

• Needs analysis including surveys, site visits, interviews, and meetings.
• Implementation of a diploma program with European family medicine faculty support.
• Evaluation of the program across three levels of Kirkpatrick's model.

Main Results:

• Trainees demonstrated improved understanding of primary care, ethics, communication, and patient management.
• Post-diploma, a 6-month follow-up showed reduced antibiotic prescribing and referral rates.
• Sustainability measures included stakeholder involvement, mentor training, trainee incentives, and financial planning.

Conclusions:

• Diploma programs effectively address the expertise gap for general practitioners.
• This program built upon previous efforts, incorporating critical elements for success and sustainability.
• The initiative successfully enhanced GP capabilities and improved patient care practices.