Hospital doctors, general practitioners and dentists learning together

The design, implementation and evaluation of an innovative course on education for a group of hospital doctors, general practitioners and dentists is described. It took place over five 2-day modules spread over 21 months. There were 33 participants and several tutors and external resources. The course was designed around group work and used a learner-centred agenda. Evaluation was by use of the nominal group technique during the course and by open questionnaires after 18 months. The course was successful in stimulating a number of activities and in developing the skills and confidence of the participants. Problem areas centred around the tension between the learner-centred agenda and the participants' need for structure. Courses such as this require good administration, as cohesive and supportive tutors' group, a clear statement of aims, even within a learner-centred framework, and the establishment of clear ground rules to allow the participants to feel safe. Without safety it is arguable that less challenging learning will occur.