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General practitioners and postgraduate education in the Northern Region
B L Reedy1, B A Gregson, M Williams
1Medical Care Research Unit, University of Newcastle upon Tyne.
Summary
General practitioners (GPs) reported varied postgraduate education needs and preferences. While most GPs found clinical education valuable, they desired more practice management content and preferred seminars over lectures.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- General Practice
- Continuing Professional Development
Background:
- General practitioners (GPs) in the Northern Region participated in a 1977 survey commissioned by the Royal College of General Practitioners.
- The survey aimed to understand GPs' perceptions and behaviors regarding postgraduate education.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the current state of postgraduate education for general practitioners.
- To identify GPs' preferences for educational content, teaching methods, and organizational aspects.
Main Methods:
- A postal questionnaire was sent to a one-in-two random sample of general practitioner principals.
- Seventy-five percent of the sample returned the questionnaire, providing data on attendance and perceptions.
Main Results:
- Most GPs attended an average of eight postgraduate sessions annually, primarily at their usual centers.
- Younger GPs and those affiliated with the Royal College of General Practitioners favored seminars and clinical attachments over traditional lectures.
- GPs desired more training in practice management and preferred experienced GPs and paramedical staff as educators.
Conclusions:
- Postgraduate education was perceived to influence clinical practice but had limited impact on practice organization.
- There is a need to tailor postgraduate education to address non-clinical practice management needs and incorporate preferred teaching methods.