Empowering the continuing professional development of general practitioner trainers in Malta through educational needs assessment

Abstract

Background It has been recommended that GP trainers in Malta undergo continuing professional development (CPD) in education and assessment through participation in regular meetings. Aim To encourage GP trainers to organise on-going CPD activities, and thus improve the training they provide, through an assessment of their educational needs. Method In 2015, two UK questionnaires used to evaluate specialist training provided by GP trainers were consulted in the development of online surveys for completion by current and recent GP trainees and trainers in Malta. The information collected was presented to two small groups of trainers for categorisation using an ‘urgent/important/ less urgent/less important’ grid. Results In reply to the question ‘What are your current development needs?’, the top answers from trainers included developing teaching skills, keeping abreast with medical knowledge, and regular meetings with other GP trainers to discuss problems and share experiences. The trainees’ top answers to the question ‘What should the GP trainer do differently?’ were ‘nothing’, being up-to-date regarding guidelines, and providing “examoriented” feedback. The most important and urgent recommendations made during the trainers’ small group meetings included regular peer-support meetings between GP trainers to share teaching experiences and discuss problems, regular updates regarding guidelines and protocols recommended for exams, and more examoriented training to be provided to trainees. Conclusion The educational needs assessment carried out provided useful information that enabled the set-up of regular CPD meetings for GP trainers in Malta, thus meeting their educational needs and hopefully benefiting the quality of training provided to GP trainees.