An evaluation of postgraduate family medicine training at Stellenbosch University : survey of recent graduates

Thesis (MFamMed)--Stellenbosch University, 2018.ENGLISH SUMMARY : Background: The practice of family medicine is going to play a central role in the primary health care system of South Africa. It is a new speciality that shows much promise as it dovetails with the government’s plans to re-engineer primary health care and strengthen district health systems. In 2011 the new training programmes graduated the first group of family physicians trained as full time registrars. Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the perceived effectiveness of the postgraduate training in family medicine at Stellenbosch University from the perspective of graduates working in clinical practice. Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional descriptive survey was completed by 49 students, who completed the programme between 2005 and 2013. Results: A total number of 49 respondents out of 120 possible graduates participated in this study (a response rate of 40.8%). Family Medicine graduates from Stellenbosch University working in clinical practice perceived their postgraduate training as effective in preparing them for actual practice. Conclusion: Stellenbosch University family medicine graduates working in clinical practice perceived their postgraduate training as effective in preparing them for actual practice. The programme has since changed and evolved and weaknesses that were identified through this study are already being addressed through improvements in the online modules such as leadership, clinical governance, enhanced clinical supervision and support. Research on graduates’ perceptions post implementation of these improvements is needed.AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING : Geen opsomming beskikbaar