Options in education for advanced trainees in isolated general practice

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Rural Health
• General Practice Training

Background:

• Limited attention has been given to preparing general practitioner (GP) graduates for remote solo medical practice.
• Despite advances in rural doctor training, specific preparation for remote practice remains underdeveloped.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate an optional training unit within the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Training Program.
• The unit aims to provide trainee GPs with remote medicine education, supported by experienced rural doctors.

Main Methods:

• A pilot program of intensive educational support was developed for nine GP trainees in solo rural practices.
• A comparison was made with four GP trainees in standard advanced GP terms, using logbook and questionnaire data.

Main Results:

• Solo trainees received educational support equivalent in duration to standard training, utilizing distance education methods.
• The training unit demonstrated feasibility and effectiveness in delivering remote medical education.

Conclusions:

• The developed training unit offers a viable option for preparing GPs for remote practice.
• Further trials are planned, with potential for the unit to become a permanent part of the RACGP Training Program.