Malta’s specialist training programme in family medicine : a pre-implementation evaluation

Abstract

Introduction: As a result of Malta’s EU accession in 2004, family medicine was accepted as a speciality and the Malta College of Family Doctors prepared a Specialist Training Programme in Family Medicine. To facilitate its launch, potential GP trainers and trainees participated in its preimplementation evaluation. Method: Participants’ views were gathered quantitatively through a questionnaire using scales to rate closed statements regarding the programme and its sections. Qualitative openended questions also allowed them to highlight strengths and provide constructive feedback regarding any required improvements and perceived barriers. Results: Nearly half the questionnaires (27/58: 47%) were returned. Although the majority of participants evaluated the programme and its sections as specific, attainable, relevant and timed, only a minority agreed that they were easily measurable. The strengths mentioned most were the various methods of assessment (41%), experience in relevant hospital specialities (37%), and preparation and updating of trainers (30%). The improvements seen as most needed were the identification of resources (22%), the acquisition of competences (19%) and their assessment (19%). The main barriers identified were the use of trainees just as locums (41%), poor attitudes among the various stakeholders (37%) and difficulties in coordinating assessment methods (26%). Discussion: To assist the programme’s implementation, the development of a well-supervised curriculum is needed, supported by the resources necessary for the preparation and updating of motivated trainers and the acquisition by trainees of the required community and hospital competences and their objective assessment. While a post-course evaluation of specialist training in family medicine in Malta is merited, preimplementation evaluation is of use in preparing to implement postgraduate training.