African
Journals OnLine
South African Family Practice incorporating Geneeskunde (SAFP/G)
Volume 45 No.3 April 2003
ABSTRACTS
CPD - The learning preferences of general practitioners.
Van den Berg, L, Family Physician, Department of Family
Medicine and Primary Care University of Stellenbosch and Community Health
Services Organisation, Department of Health, Provincial Administration, Western
Cape
De Villiers, MR, Associate Professor, Department of
Family Medicine and Primary Care University of Stellenbosch
Correspondence:
Dr Leon van den Berg, Department of Family Medicine and
Primary Care, PO Box 19063, Tygerberg, 7505
Tel: (021) 938-9449, Fax: (021) 938-9153, E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract
Introduction: General Practitioners need to stay up
to date and to maintain professional competence. The Health Professions Council
of SA has introduced a mandatory recertification system starting in 1999.
Insufficient research exists locally to reliably identify the continuing
professional development (CPD) habits of GP’s in South Africa. This study was
conducted to continue this search and measure GP’s opinions about
recertification.
Method: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was done
by using a postal questionnaire. This was sent to the 110 GP’s in private
practice in and from the twenty surrounding towns that traditionally refer
patients to the town of Worcester in the Western Cape.
Results: The results were analysed from the 70
questionnaires returned. The most popular forms of CPD were reading journals
(94%), evening lectures (92%) and refresher courses (71%). 76 % were in favour
of recertification. 17 % were hostile to the concept.
Discussion: The high response rate (64 %), and the
data received, supplied answers to many of the questions that inspired the
study. An attempt was made to understand why some doctors were against
recertification. Methods of introducing GP’s to computer CPD were explored,
after it was noted that only 20 % used the internet. The traditional CPD menu
of lectures, journals and refresher courses remained adequate for the majority
of GP’s in the study.
SA Fam Pract 2003;45(3):10-12
Keywords: General Practitioners, CPD, Learning
Preferences, Habits
Die 24 uur groepspraktyk as moontlike oplossing vir die
na-ure dilemma.
Bruwer, P, MBChB, MFamMed, Departement
Huisartskunde
Joubert, G, BA, MSc, Departement
Biostatistiek
Hiemstra, LA, MBChB, MPraxMed, Departement
Huisartskunde Universiteit van die Vrystaat
Correspondence:
Prof G Joubert, Departement Biostatistiek, G31, UV,
Posbus 339, Bloemfontein, 9300
Tel: (051) 401-3117, Faks: (051) 401-2939, Epos:
[email protected]
Abstract
Background: The formation of 24-hour group practices,
which entails the collaboration of different practices, to deliver an after
hours service, is an increasing trend in urban private practice. The aim of
this study was to measure the acceptablility and efficiency of the 24 hour
practice as solution for the after hours dilemma.
Methods: 304 patients who visited two group practices
in Bloemfontein and one in Kimberley during May and June 2000, and 38 doctors
who are full time members of these practices completed anonymous
questionnaires.
Results: The accessibilty to after hours medical care
and to group practices in particular, was reported to be high. A small demand
for home visits existed. Although patients preferred consulting their own
doctor, they were willing to consult other doctors. The communication between
the patients and doctors were reported to be satisfactory, and problems dealt
with effectively. Doctors identified continuity of care as a problem. The group
practices lightened the load of the practitioners.
Conclusion: In general, group practices were accepted
well by patients and doctors. Many of the barriers to providing effective after
hours medical care can be overcome by establishing 24-hour group practices.
SA Fam Pract 2003;45(3):13-18
Keywords: 24-hour group practice, after hours
service, practice management
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