Table 2 Training methods used in the Gezira Family Medicine Project
Training activity | Way of conducting | Time of the training | Aim of the training |
|---|---|---|---|
Introductory course | Meeting at the university | At the start of the master’s course | To cover important areas in family and community medicine, before start |
Distance learning | Formal Internet-based lectures, tutorials or discussions, using Web Ex program (virtual classroom); lecturer communicates with candidates (voice and picture), share desktop, slides, films, and documents | Usually at the end of the day, evenings, or weekends | To teach the different disciplines in rotations (medicine paediatrics, and so forth) |
Hospital visits | Clinical rounds, outpatient clinic, referral clinic, theatre, etc. | Once a week | To learn the required clinical skills, candidates should fill their logbooks where all the required skills are listed |
Telemedicine | Specialists from all specialties are connected with the candidates by videoconference to discuss real-life cases | One hour during the working day | Both clinical management and case discussion learning |
Field supervision | Supervisors visit the candidates at their health centres | During the working day | To assess the setting, attend and evaluate consultations, evaluate the use of the filing system |
Primary care work | Candidates are practicing family medicine at their centres | 4 days a week | Learning through practice, candidates communicate with specialists and colleagues through videoconferencing |
Courses | Crash courses arranged at the university | Usually 3 to 5 days per course | To cover certain important topics (examples: mental health, malaria and HIV) |
Monthly meetings | Meeting at the university | Once a month | Family medicine teaching and administrative issues |
Electronic library | Every candidate is equipped with a laptop computer and free wireless Internet | At any time | Evidence-based medicine: candidates should know national and international resources, guidelines, medical websites, etc. |
Classical library | Available at the university, some books were distributed free to the candidates | During the university days | Mainly for background knowledge |