Do GPs actually use online teaching resources for placements? Initial results from a new theme-based approach to clinical placements
Problem
To what extent can a medical school curriculum inform placements?This work investigates uptake amongst tutors for a new theme-based approach to a placement curriculum that follows the principles set out in 'Teaching General Practice', the new UK GP curriculum guidelines.
Approach
Focus groups with GP tutors at 3 locations in the South West of EnglandA grounded theory interpretation of data was carried out
Findings
Technical problems predominateUptake of new ideas is slowUniversities can do much to ease the technical burden of GPs in busy practises by improving their online access
Consequences
Curriculum interventions that use online platforms may be better designed by reducing to a minimum the technical barriers and content should be as broad as possible, allowing adaptation to the variations of clinical practice.