New approaches to training general practitioners
Educating for capability is essential
Vocational training for general practice has been one of the most successful and creative developments in medical education in recent years. The systematic selection, training, support, and monitoring of teachers in local postgraduate deaneries has developed to a high degree. This includes experiential learning workshops to train and provide continuing professional development for general practitioner (GP) trainers that are part of a modular programme accredited for university qualifications in higher education. Also involved are quality assurance of teaching and clinical standards in training practices by regular peer inspection, and whole or part day release programmes organised by experienced educational facilitators that have successfully enhanced the learning of successive cohorts of GP registrars. The expertise gained by doctors working in GP training in the UK has been sought by organisers of technical assistance programmes to many developing countries, particularly the republics of the former Soviet bloc, and many of the creative ideas developed in the UK are now also being used in Russia and the Central Asian republics as they seek to reform their health care services and develop British style general practice.1
EDUCATION FOR CAPABILITY
The key new approaches that have contributed to the success of GP training can all be described under the heading of education for capability. Traditionally, medical education at both postgraduate and undergraduate levels has focused on competence—that is, what the doctor knows or is able to do in terms of knowledge, skills, and attitudes. However, as Fraser and Greenhalgh pointed out in their series on complexity science in the BMJ,2 today’s health services need doctors who are capable—that is, able to adapt to change, generate new knowledge, and continue to improve their performance.
GP training in recent years has developed many educational methods that focus on process (supporting …
