A QUESTIONNAIRE EXAMINING LEARNING IN GENERAL-PRACTICE

Vocational training is a key element of professional development in ge neral practice. Learner-centred approaches to teaching bring a need fo r greater understanding of the individual learning styles and preferen ces of trainees. This paper reports the findings of a pilot study unde rtaken to determine factors that may influence learning among general practice trainees. A questionnaire survey of 261 trainees in six regio ns in the UK was carried out to explore attitudes to a series of theme s identified in semi-structured interviews with trainees at the end of their training. Six distinct subscales were identified using principa l components analysis. These are named 'Learning from Patients', 'Open ness to Criticism', 'Negative Attitudes', 'Desire for Clear Guidelines ','Peer Support', and 'Academic Approach'. Males scored significantly higher on 'Academic Approach' (P < 0 . 05). Each of the subscales refl ects themes that permeate the atmosphere of general practice training. Further work is required to establish relationships between the subsc ales and the outcomes of learning and to explore the implications for continuing professional development. The questionnaire is an instrumen t that may prove useful in the future investigation of learning in gen eral practice.