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Volume 18 (1)
Volume 18, Issue 1, Winter 1998
J Contin Educ Health Prof 1998; 18(1):39-46
ORIGINAL ARTICLES
Continuing Medical Education for European General Practitioners in Doctor-Patient Relationship Skills and Psychosocial Issues
L. Randol Barker, MD
A b s t r a c t
The objective of this study was to identify the types of continuing medical education
(CME) available to European general practitioners in doctor-patient relationship skills
and in the psychosocial content of practice. Two methods were used: (1) a questionnaire,
mailed to the 26 council members of the European Association of Teachers of General Practice
(EURACT) and (2) observation and inquiry during visits to CME coordinators in several countries.
Sixteen of 23 responding EURACT members reported CME activities in the areas of
interest. Most reported programs that address both doctor-patient relationship skills and psychosocial
content. Programs studied in three countries illustrated in detail the types of CME
that were reported elsewhere: small-group workshops, intensive learning by one or more physicians
over a prolonged time period, and national-level CME activities. The activities identified
in this study represent potential resources for CME planners throughout Europe. The findings
suggest several challenges that have also been identified in the U.S.: (1) to make this type of
CME more available to primary care practitioners; (2) to structure general practice visits so
that there is sufficient time to develop doctor-patient relationships and to address psychosocial
problems; and (3) to develop processes for sharing educational ideas in these two areas.
Keywords: Doctor-Patient Relationship; European General Practitioners (GPs); General Practice; Psychosocial
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