Continuing education in general practice in England and Wales

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• General Practice

Background:

• Continuing professional development is crucial for general practitioners.
• Effective information dissemination and logistical support are essential for educational participation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the continuing education preferences and challenges faced by general practitioner principals in England and Wales in 1970.

Main Methods:

• A random sample of 9.5% of general practitioner principals in England and Wales were surveyed.
• A response rate of 53% was achieved.

Main Results:

• Respondents favored long, intensive continuing education courses.
• Significant difficulties were reported in obtaining information about national courses.
• 32% of respondents experienced challenges in securing locum tenens (temporary substitute) physicians for course attendance.

Conclusions:

• The findings highlight a need for improved systems for disseminating information on continuing education opportunities.
• Barriers to attending courses, such as locum cover, require addressing to support general practitioner professional development.
• The presence of postgraduate medical centers positively influences local educational activities.