Specialty training in family medicine in Montenegro – An evaluation of the programme by the first generation of trainees

Abstract

IntroductionOne of the aims of health care reform in Montenegro is to strengthen primary care. An important step forward is the implementation of specialty training in family medicine (FM). The aim of this article is to evaluate the implementation of specialty training in family medicine in Montenegro, regarding the content, structure and methods, by the first generation of trainees and the coordinator of the training.MethodsA questionnaire was sent by mail in July and August 2017 to all 26 eligible trainees who started specialty training in 2013. Twenty-two of the 26 trainees (84.6%) responded. The questionnaire consisted of closed and open-ended questions related to the evaluation of the training. A descriptive quantitative and qualitative analysis with predefined themes and a semi-structured interview with the coordinator were carried out.ResultsThe process of training in FM was assessed positively by both trainees and the coordinator. The positive assessment included that the specialisation course offered modern design through modules and practice, and trainees both improved their existing knowledge and skills and acquired new ones necessary for everyday work. The coordinator emphasised the importance of the introduction of new teaching methods and formative assessment, the important role of mentors, and the involvement of Slovenian colleagues in the teaching process and supervision of the programme.ConclusionsThe implementation of speciality training in FM in Montenegro was successful. Several assessment methods were used that can be further developed in individual structured feedback, which could stimulate the continual improvement of trainees’ knowledge and competencies.

Working conditions and satisfaction with working conditions among Slovenian family medicine trainees: A cross-sectional study

“…It is interesting to note that trainee physicians working in person with their direct tutor achieve comparatively higher levels of satisfaction with working conditions compared to those whose main tutor is only available by phone. Similar associations regarding the improved satisfaction of medical students were likewise demonstrated in a study on a curricular reform that also entailed better access to tutors (33). "Working with a constant population" is one of the important features of a family physician's work, which is also supported by our results.…”

Family medicine academy trainers’ satisfaction in King Saud Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

“…Moreover, it was found that general satisfaction scores of all items ranged between 6.61 and 7.95, which was higher than reported by U Rabbani with a score of 7.61,[ 20 ] a study of Montenegro in which the satisfaction level was 4.1 out of 5[ 25 ] and study in the USA where the satisfaction level was over 50%. [ 26 ]…”

“…Improving the satisfaction level of trainers, up to different literature reviews, would improve their performance. [ 20 25 ]…”

What can we learn from each other about undergraduate medical education in general practice/family medicine?

“…We hope that this report might offer our colleagues reference points for feeding back into their local and national educational boards, with the aim of improving the position of academic FM/GP in Europe. Encouraging reports of these activities already exist ( 10 ).…”