Evaluation of effect on skills of GP trainees taking time out of programme (OOP) in developing countries.

Background: The London School of General Practice Time Out of Programme (OOP) provides general practice (GP) trainees with an opportunity to enhance clinical experience and develop a range of skills and competencies, which are often not achievable in a three-year training programme, that are relevant and transferable to their practice in the UK. The programme offers one-year posts in the developing world to trainees between years ST2/3.

Aim: This study builds on the work of the International Health Links Centre and London Deanery report (2011) and is designed to assess the skills and competencies of GP trainees on an OOP scheme.