A Delphi study to construct a CanMEDS competence based inventory applicable for workplace assessment.

Background: During workplace based learning students develop professional competences and an appropriate performance. To gain insight in the learning process and to evaluate competences and performance, assessment tools are essential and need to be of good quality. We aimed to construct a competence inventory applicable as an instrument to measure the content validity of workplace based assessment tools, such as portfolio.

A contingency perspective on team learning and innovation in nursing.

Aims: To report a correlational study of the relation between team learning activities and implementation-effectiveness of innovations in nursing teams.

Background: Non-compliance to implementation of innovations is a problem in nursing teams. In the literature, team learning is proposed as a facilitator for change.

Team learning and innovation in nursing, a review of the literature.

The capability to learn and innovate has been recognized as a key-factor for nursing teams to deliver high quality performance. Researchers suggest there is a relation between team-learning activities and changes in nursing teams throughout the implementation of novelties. A review of the literature was conducted in regard to the relation between team learning and implementation of innovations in nursing teams and to explore factors that contribute or hinder team learning.

Empowering patients or general practitioners? A randomised clinical trial to improve quality in reproductive health care in Belgium.

Background: Evidence-based clinical guidelines on contraceptive use were developed and distributed among all Flemish general practitioners (GPs) in Belgium.

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of two strategies for implementing a guideline on oral contraceptives in order to enhance the quality of the first contraception consultation in general practice, by either empowering patients or by introducing a computer decision support system (CDSS).

Method: A random sample of 45 GPs was distributed among three study groups.

How does a Belgian health care provider deal with a request for emergency contraception?

Objective: To evaluate how Belgian health care providers deal with a request for emergency contraception.

Method: In 2002-2003 we conducted 12 focus groups with pharmacists, general practitioners and school physicians. A skilled moderator accompanied by an observer conducted the focus groups using a semi-structured screenplay.

The effect of giving influenza vaccination to general practitioners: a controlled trial [NCT00221676].

Background: No efficacy studies of influenza vaccination given to GPs have yet been published. Therefore, our purpose was to assess the effect of an inactivated influenza vaccine given to GPs on the rate of clinical respiratory tract infections (RTIs) and proven influenza cases (influenza positive nose and throat swabs and a 4-fold titre rise), while adjusting for important covariates.

Methods: In a controlled trial during two consecutive winter periods (2002-2003 and 2003-2004) we compared (77 and 100) vaccinated with (45 and 40) unvaccinated GPs working in Flanders, Belgium.

Antibiotic prescribing for acute cough: the effect of perceived patient demand.

Background: GPs decide whether or not to prescribe antibiotics for acute cough. Apart from clinical signs and symptoms, non-medical reasons influence this decision as well.

Aim: To obtain a valid estimate of the effect of perceived patient demand.

Serum antibodies against circulating influenza strains among vaccinated and unvaccinated general practitioners during two consecutive years (2002-2003).

Efficacy studies have not answered the question whether influenza vaccination among general practitioners (GPs) has a substantial additive effect on their immunity. To evaluate this effect the influenza antibody titres in vaccinated and unvaccinated GPs were compared in a controlled trial during two consecutive winter periods (2002-2003 and 2003-2004). The seroprotection rates against the circulating A/H3N2 influenza virus amount to 80% and 42% in the unvaccinated group in 2002 and 2003, respectively.

Adolescents demanding a good contraceptive: a study with standardized patients in general practices.

To assess how Flemish general practitioners (GPs) are handling the first contraception consultation, we used standardized patients (SPs) as the best method to assess the performance of GPs in daily practice. Thirty GPs got a visit from one of the three SPs. Based on a validated checklist, the SPs scored the performance of GPs and they registered the circumstances and the duration of the consultation.

GPs' perspectives of type 2 diabetes patients' adherence to treatment: A qualitative analysis of barriers and solutions.

Background: The problem of poor compliance/adherence to prescribed treatments is very complex. Health professionals are rarely being asked how they handle the patient's (poor) therapy compliance/adherence. In this study, we examine explicitly the physicians' expectations of their diabetes patients' compliance/adherence.

Implementation of a pilot programme for screening for chlamydial infection in general practice.

Objectives: To determine whether opportunistic screening for Chlamydia trachomatis, based on a selective screening, algorithm, is possible in general practice in Belgium; to assess feasibility of the screening strategy with respect to workload, acceptability, and organisational aspects.

Methods: Implementation of a pilot screening programme by 37 GPs for a period of 15 weeks. GPs' screening practices were registered and compared with the guidelines they had received.

Management of acute cough: comparisons between Belgian and Dutch GPs.

Objectives: In Europe there are large variations in overall outpatient antibiotic use, even between two neighbouring countries as Belgium and the Netherlands. We aimed to compare the management of acute cough between Belgian and Dutch general practitioners (GPs).

Methods: In cross-sectional studies in Belgium and the Netherlands, 71 Belgian and 84 Dutch GPs included adult patients consulting for acute cough.

Optimizing antibiotic prescribing for acute cough in general practice: a cluster-randomized controlled trial.

Objectives: To assess the effect of a tailored professional intervention, including academic detailing, on antibiotic prescribing for acute cough.

Methods: In a cluster-randomized controlled before and after study 85 Flemish GPs included adult patients with acute cough consulting in the periods February-April 2000 and 2001. The intervention consisted of a clinical practice guideline for acute cough, an educational outreach visit and a postal reminder to support its implementation in January 2001.

Antibiotics for coughing in general practice: a questionnaire study to quantify and condense the reasons for prescribing.

Background: Antibiotics are being overprescribed in ambulant care, especially for respiratory tract infections (RTIs). Gaining insight into the actual reasons for prescribing remains important for the design of effective strategies to optimise antibiotic prescribing. We aimed to determine items of importance for the antibiotic prescribing decision and to make them operational for an intervention trial.

Sexual behaviour of second generation Moroccan immigrants balancing between traditional attitudes and safe sex.

Young Moroccan Islamic immigrants are balancing the challenges of modern society and the influences of their cultural and social backgrounds. Prevention and information programs need insights into their knowledge, attitudes and behaviour concerning choice of partner, sexuality, contraception, STD and AIDS prevention. In a qualitative research project, Moroccan adolescents were invited to focus groups.

Correlation of a written test of skills and a performance based test: a study in two traditional medical schools.

Studies in innovative curricula have shown that a written test of skills is potentially able to predict OSCE scores. In this study we verified the potential of a written test of skills as an alternative to an OSCE in two traditional medical schools. A 12 station OSCE was scored using detailed checklists and global rating scales.