Assessing family medicine trainees--what can we learn from the European neighbours?

Background: Although demands on family physicians (FP) are to a large extent similar in the European Union, uniform assessment standards for family medicine (FM) specialty training and assessment do not exist. Aim of this pilot study was to elicit and compare the different modalities and assessment methods of FM specialty training in five European countries.

Methods: A semi structured survey was undertaken based on a convenient sample in five European countries (Denmark, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom).

GP-VTS half-day release: evaluating a virtual group approach.

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN IN THIS AREA • Attendance at the traditional half-day release GP vocational training schemes (VTS) is becoming more difficult because of the European Working Time Directive, flexible working, etc. • There are many other avenues for learning available than just the half-day release. WHAT THIS WORK ADDS • It is possible to set up and run a virtual VTS group using modern technology blended with some meetings for group forming and sharing of project work.