[Changes of teaching in the interdisciplinary subject "rehabilitation, physical medicine, naturopathic treatment" in the German medical faculties 2004 to 2006/07].

Background: Rehabilitation, Physical Medicine, Naturopathic Treatment (Querschnittsbereich Q-12) was introduced as a compulsory interdisciplinary subject in the revised Federal Medical Licensing Regulations (Approbationsordnung für Arzte) in October 2003. This offered the opportunity to increase the students' interest in rehabilitation-related issues and to integrate current evidence of rehabilitation research. The implementation of the Q-12 in the German medical faculties was investigated by yearly questionnaires during a three-year-period.

Methods: In 2004, 2005, and 2006/07 anonymous postal questionnaires concerning the teaching in Q-12 were sent to the 36 medical faculties in Germany. Non-responders were reminded at least once by a repeat postal questionnaire.

Results: The response rates were 67% in 2004, 72% in 2005, 50% in 2006/07, respectively. Of the 36 faculties 34 responded at least once. Ten faculties responded to all questionnaires. In a considerable number of faculties, Q-12 is being coordinated by university institutions which are not denominated as one of the subjects designated in the Q-12 title. Major differences regarding the implementation of Q-12 were found between the faculties. Further development of Q-12 faces several limitations of resources. Almost all faculties provide curricula for teaching Q 12, some of which are still incomplete. During all three examinations lecturer-centered teaching methods (lectures, seminars, other presentations) were used most frequently. POL-cases and other structured patient oriented teaching were also reported less frequently. E-learning was very rarely offered to the students. Musculoskeletal and neurological disorders were the most frequent specific indications for practice-related integration of Q-12 issues. Compulsory election subjects (Wahlpflichtfächer) related to Q-12 issues before and during the final year of the medical students, are not being offered by all faculties. The vast majority of the faculties advocate an exchange of materials for teaching and examinations.

Conclusions: During the three examinations, major differences concerning the implementation of Q-12 were found between the faculties. Therefore, it is recommended that all faculties verify whether they adequately cover the joint educational objectives recommended for Q-12 by two German scientific societies. Furthermore, the more frequent application of up-to-date practice-oriented teaching and examination methods, an intensified implementation of Q-12-related issues in teaching specific indications, the completion of curricula, enhanced offer of compulsory election subjects related to Q-12 issues, continued scientific investigations and symposia/workshops concerning the promotion of Q-12-related teaching as well as the generation and exchange of teaching and examination materials are recommended.