Quality improvement through evaluation of GP trainers’ continuing professional development in Malta

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Mandatory trainer continuing professional development (CPD) sessions were held during 2019 for each GP trainer actively involved in the Specialist Training Programme in Family Medicine – Malta.

OBJECTIVE: GP trainer CPD sessions were evaluated to improve the quality of the provided CPD that was intended to refine their assessment skills.

METHOD: Participants were sent a link to an electronic feedback form to complete anonymously using Google Forms. The responses were exported into Microsoft Excel to enable analysis, both quantitatively and qualitatively using item content analysis.

RESULTS: Twenty-six GP trainers completed the feedback questionnaire, giving a response rate of 46%. Positive comments were made regarding the relevance and group dynamics of the sessions (marked as 3 or more out of 5) and the ensuing discussion and interaction (81%). Moreover, 42% stated that they would not change anything about the CPD sessions, while 23% gave different comments about their timing. Educational needs identified by participants ranged from technical help (42%) to providing trainee guidance (35%) and self-development (12%). While 38% of respondents wanted further training in assessment and marking, 27% wished to broaden training to include other teaching topics.

CONCLUSION: Since the 2019 trainers’ CPD sessions were well-received, it was proposed that in 2020 the topic of assessment should be tackled in more depth, with fine-tuning made of the sessions’ facilitation and timing. Trainer CPD sessions to be held after 2020 could incorporate further recommended topics that are set at different levels for participants with varying levels of knowledge and skills.