Delivering and evaluating a scalable training model for strengthening family medicine in resource-limited environments: the Gaza experience. A mixed-methods evaluation.
Scalable postgraduate medical training
community medicine
education
postgraduate training
primary health care
resource-limited
Journal
BJGP open
ISSN: 2398-3795
Titre abrégé: BJGP Open
Pays: England
ID NLM: 101713531
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
Jul 2019
Jul 2019
Historique:
received:
11
12
2018
accepted:
21
01
2019
entrez:
2
8
2019
pubmed:
2
8
2019
medline:
2
8
2019
Statut:
epublish
Résumé
Since 2007, Gaza Palestine has been subject to blockade affecting over 1.9 million people. This denies health professionals access to continuing professional development (CPD). In Gaza, family physicians are scarce, and their level of training does not meet the needs of United Nations Relief and Works Agency's (UNRWA) Family Health Team (FHT) model for better population health. This study sought to develop a postgraduate training programme for Gazan doctors via a Diploma in Family Medicine (FM PG), and evaluate its impact on physicians and patients. A mixed-methods evaluation of a postgraduate diploma in Gaza Palestine. The programme was delivered over 1 year, to 15 primary care doctors. The impact was evaluated through focus group discussions and patient feedback questionnaire survey comparing FM PG graduate doctors and doctors without the FM PG Diploma. All participating doctors graduated successfully and found the experience extremely positive. Trainees felt that the Diploma helped them take more individualised approach to patients; have a better understanding of psychosocial elements affecting patient health; feel more inclined towards team-working and collaborative approaches to health care; and more insight into non-verbal communication such as active listening and tactile gestures. Statistical analysis of patients' feedback showed significantly improved patient-reported outcomes and satisfaction when treated by course diplomates compared to non-diplomates. Where there are limited training opportunities, investment in a structured postgraduate diploma training programme can improve quality of health service delivery. UNRWA's experience in Gaza demonstrates the value of a scalable model in resource-limited settings.
Sections du résumé
BACKGROUND
BACKGROUND
Since 2007, Gaza Palestine has been subject to blockade affecting over 1.9 million people. This denies health professionals access to continuing professional development (CPD). In Gaza, family physicians are scarce, and their level of training does not meet the needs of United Nations Relief and Works Agency's (UNRWA) Family Health Team (FHT) model for better population health.
AIM
OBJECTIVE
This study sought to develop a postgraduate training programme for Gazan doctors via a Diploma in Family Medicine (FM PG), and evaluate its impact on physicians and patients.
DESIGN & SETTING
METHODS
A mixed-methods evaluation of a postgraduate diploma in Gaza Palestine.
METHOD
METHODS
The programme was delivered over 1 year, to 15 primary care doctors. The impact was evaluated through focus group discussions and patient feedback questionnaire survey comparing FM PG graduate doctors and doctors without the FM PG Diploma.
RESULTS
RESULTS
All participating doctors graduated successfully and found the experience extremely positive. Trainees felt that the Diploma helped them take more individualised approach to patients; have a better understanding of psychosocial elements affecting patient health; feel more inclined towards team-working and collaborative approaches to health care; and more insight into non-verbal communication such as active listening and tactile gestures. Statistical analysis of patients' feedback showed significantly improved patient-reported outcomes and satisfaction when treated by course diplomates compared to non-diplomates.
CONCLUSION
CONCLUSIONS
Where there are limited training opportunities, investment in a structured postgraduate diploma training programme can improve quality of health service delivery. UNRWA's experience in Gaza demonstrates the value of a scalable model in resource-limited settings.
Identifiants
pubmed: 31366678
pii: bjgpopen19X101647
doi: 10.3399/bjgpopen19X101647
pmc: PMC6662871
pii:
doi:
Types de publication
Journal Article
Langues
eng
Informations de copyright
Copyright © 2019, The Authors.
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