4. Training and Support - NRGPS Abstract

Aims

To identify the levels of awareness of and involvement with a range of recruitment, retention, training and support programs aimed at rural and remote medical practitioners. To identify doctors’ opinions of these programs and to describe differences in awareness, involvement, and opinions between groups of doctors. To explore the perceived adequacy of training, and to identify specified training needs of various groups of rural and remote doctors. The enthusiasm of doctors for teaching medical students was also examined.

Method

The National Rural General Practice Study asked respondents to indicate whether they had been involved in any of seven training and support programs. Respondents were also asked to provide their opinion of any of the programs of which they were aware. Respondents could also provide additional comments about any of the programs. The Study gathered information about doctors’ perceptions of training adequacy both on entering their current practice and at the time of the survey. Doctors could also provide lists of specific training needs they felt they had. Doctors’ involvement in teaching undergraduate medical students was ascertained, along with their enthusiasm for teaching students.

Results

The best known programs were Rural Divisions of General Practice and the Better Practice Program. These also had the highest rate of involvement. Nearly half of respondents who were aware of the Better Practice Program had a negative opinion of it, while only two programs (Rural Divisions and Rural Divisions Coordinating Units) received favourable opinions from a majority of respondents. Respondents characteristics such as age, sex, quality of life, and practice experience were related to involvement in and opinion of the programs. Most doctors were perceived that they were adequately trained for rural and remote practice, despite nearly two thirds of all respondents indicating some specific training needs.

Discussion

The National Rural General Practice Study offered some data for evaluation of the range of training and support programs considered in the Study. It also enabled an identification of specific training needs as a tool for designing future programs. Many doctors experienced training as both teachers and students, and there were a variety of attitudes to these experiences. There is considerable scope for training and support programs to be better targeted at the needs of rural and remote doctors, and to avoid duplication of activities and responsibilities.

Further Information

Further information about the National Rural General Practice Study and its implications for rural general practice policy in Australia can be found in the study working papers and final report. You can obtain copies of the working papers and final report from the School of Rural Health.