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General Medical Council (general + medical_council)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Medical Sciences	100%

Selected Abstracts

Relevant behavioural and social science for medical undergraduates: a comparison of specialist and non-specialist educators

MEDICAL EDUCATION, Issue 10 2006
Sarah Peters
Aim, To compare what medical educators who are specialists in the behavioural and social sciences and their non-specialist counterparts consider to be core concepts that medical graduates should understand. Background, Previously perceived as ,nice to know' rather than ,need to know', the General Medical Council (GMC) now places behavioural and social sciences on the same need-to-know basis as clinical and basic sciences. Attempts have been made to identify what components of these topics medical students need to know; however, it remains unknown if decisions over programme content differ depending on whether or not educationalists have specialist knowledge of the behavioural and social sciences. Methods, In a survey of medical educationalists within all UK medical schools, respondents were asked to indicate from a comprehensive list of psychological, sociological and anthropological concepts what they considered a minimally competent graduate should understand. Comparisons were made between the concepts identified by specialist behavioural and social science (BSS) educators and those without such training. Results, Despite different disciplinary backgrounds, non-specialist educators largely concurred with BSS specialist educators in the concepts they considered tomorrow's doctors should know about. However, among BSS specialists there remained disagreement on what BSS content was relevant for graduates. Differences reflect specialist knowledge and recognition of the role of theoretical underpinning of BSS and reveal gaps in non-specialists knowledge. Conclusions, Educationalists with formal training in the full range of behavioural and social sciences should be involved in the development of BSS curriculum content at both national and school levels. [source]

The assessment of poorly performing doctors: the development of the assessment programmes for the General Medical Council's Performance Procedures

MEDICAL EDUCATION, Issue 2001
Lesley Southgate
Background Modernization of medical regulation has included the introduction of the Professional Performance Procedures by the UK General Medical Council in 1995. The Council now has the power to assess any registered practitioner whose performance may be seriously deficient, thus calling registration (licensure) into question. Problems arising from ill health or conduct are dealt with under separate programmes. Methods This paper describes the development of the assessment programmes within the overall policy framework determined by the Council. Peer review of performance in the workplace (Phase 1) is followed by tests of competence (Phase 2) to reflect the relationship between clinical competence and performance. The theoretical and research basis for the approach are presented, and the relationship between the qualitative methods in Phase 1 and the quantitative methods in Phase 2 explored. Conclusions The approach is feasible, has been implemented and has stood legal challenge. The assessors judge and report all the evidence they collect and may not select from it. All their judgements are included and the voice of the lay assessor is preserved. Taken together, the output from both phases forms an important basis for remediation and training should it be required. [source]

The value of marginality in a medical school: general practice and curriculum change

MEDICAL EDUCATION, Issue 2 2001
Harriet Mowat
Objective To report the process of introduction, development and sustenance of a curriculum for a department of general practice in the context of changing curricula required by the General Medical Council. Setting and context Tayside Centre for General Practice, the Department of General Practice within Dundee University Medical School. Methods Use of action research methodology common in educational and sociological research. Action research utilizes a range of data collection techniques which allow the participants in the research full opportunities to reflect on the data as it emerges and make developments accordingly. Analysis This took place as part of the process of the 5-year project. The analysis used as its starting point the sociological theory of the social construction of power within institutions. It offers the thesis that marginality seems to be a prerequisite in confronting institutional conservatism. Conclusions Use of an action research model facilitated more effective change by providing a supportive atmosphere in which to tackle changes. The marginal status of the general practice group in relation to the medical school allowed creative negotiation of alliances within the medical school. Other groups within the medical school who are introducing new curricula can learn from this report. [source]

Curriculum planning in dermatology

CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL DERMATOLOGY, Issue 1 2004
S. M. Burge
Summary Curriculum planners should familiarize themselves with the recommendations for medical education in the UK made by the Quality Assurance Agency and the General Medical Council. The dermatology curriculum must maximize undergraduate learning experiences in dermatology, but lengthy curricula lead to rote learning and do not promote understanding. The core dermatology curricula might be built around the clinical problems graduates are likely to encounter as preregistration house-officers, but should also prepare students for their future careers in whatever speciality. Graduates should know when it might be appropriate to refer a patient to a dermatologist. Learning experiences in dermatology might be threaded into the curriculum at a number of stages and student-selected components might provide opportunities to explore dermatological topics in depth. The views of a broad constituency will give the core curriculum validity and consensus might be reached with the Delphi technique or by using multidisciplinary groups. Temptations to overload the curriculum should be resisted. Medical curricula should give students time to experience the art of medicine as well as to explore the science behind clinical practice. [source]