Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Using Simulation Models to Train Clinicians in the Use of Point-of-Care Ultrasound
Published on: August 9, 2024
An international, cross-sectional comparative study of general practice curricula in medical school programmes
Rachel Roskvist1, Shomel Gauznabi1, Ellen Walker1
1Department of General Practice & Primary Health Care, University of Auckland, New Zealand.
Objectives:
To describe and compare how undergraduate general practice (GP) is taught across medical school programmes in selected high-income countries, to inform curriculum redesign at the University of Auckland, New Zealand.
Methods:
International observational cross sectional comparative study. Study participants were academic leads responsible for undergraduate general practice curricula in medical schools in Australia, England, Ireland, Canada, Norway, Iceland. Forty-four medical schools. Pragmatic purposive sampling to maximise diversity in geography, institutional age, programme structure, rural-urban context, student intake size. Single semi-structured interviews conducted April to November 2024, face-to-face or by videoconference. Interviews audio recorded with consent, transcribed verbatim, and supported by field notes. Data analysed using EPIC GP, modified SPICES derived framework examining electives, problem-based learning, curriculum integration, community based exposure, GP focused university teaching, and interprofessional education. Programmes coded and scored using a structured consensus process. Descriptive statistics and hierarchical cluster analysis used to identify patterns.
Results:
Marked variation observed in the organisation and visibility of general practice. Three curriculum typologies identified: hospital focused programmes with limited GP exposure; GP focused programmes with integrated, GP-led teaching; and community- or primary-health-care-focused programmes emphasising interprofessional education.
Conclusions:
This study provides an international comparative description of undergraduate GP teaching models. The findings demonstrate multiple approaches to embedding general practice beyond traditional block placements. Medical schools facing placement constraints may consider earlier GP engagement, increased GP led campus teaching, and selective use of simulation or digital learning. Further studies should examine educational and workforce outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
Cross-Sectional Research
Primary Healthcare Services
In 1978, international leaders convened in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, for what would be a pivotal event in global health. The Alma-Ata Declaration was the first to call...
Observational Studies
There are three types of observational studies – Prospective, retrospective, and cross-sectional.
Prospective Study
Prospective studies, also known as longitudinal or cohort studies, are carried out by collecting future data from groups sharing similar characteristics. One example of...
Methods of Documentation II: POMR
Crossover Experiments
Crossover designs are performed even with smaller sample sizes since the samples can act as their controls. These are better than simple randomized trials since patients are exposed to all the treatments.
International Nursing Organizations II
The WHO provides expert team support, including funding, vaccines, testing, and treatment tools at the country level to fight...