Child health surveillance: development of a multicentre course and its evaluation

With increasing numbers of general practitioners wishing to provide child health surveillance during the 1980s and the expected further increase with the 1990 General Practice Contract, a course in child health surveillance was developed. The content of the course was determined by a needs assessment of Welsh general practitioners in combination with the expectations of paediatricians already involved in educating doctors in community child health. A multicentre course with prepared materials was developed. Teaching methods reflected adult learning needs, included practical clinical competencies and was centred in small groups each led by local tutors. The course was held annually on three occasions, with 220 participants in total. The materials and teaching methods were highly acceptable to the participants, and evaluation demonstrated a significant increase in knowledge and confidence. All participants reached the required clinical competence, six after further teaching. The content, teaching methods, and evaluation methods were altered in the light of feedback, resulting in a 'stand alone' course with built-in evaluation, which is now being provided by local tutors. This study has demonstrated the feasibility of providing a course for large numbers of doctors, using predominantly small-group teaching and discussion with local tutors. We are grateful to all the participants and especially the tutors.