Jm. Laidlaw et al., NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN EDUCATIONAL-PROGRAM ON MALIGNANT-MELANOMA FOR GENERAL-PRACTITIONERS, Medical teacher, 17(1), 1995, pp. 79-87
A key step in the development of any educational programme is needs as
sessment. Its importance is illustrated in the context of an education
al programme on malignant melanoma for general practitioners. Needs we
re identified through: in-depth interviews with general practitioners,
including a critical-incident study; a questionnaire to elicit genera
l practitioners' views on the required programme content; a study of t
he indications given by general practitioners for the referral of pati
ents with suspected malignant melanoma; a questionnaire sent to plasti
c surgeons and dermatologists, to elicit their views on indicators for
referral; the views of an advisory group of specialists; a review of
the published literature on malignant melanoma, including general text
books written specifically for general practitioners. For the general
practitioner managing a patient with suspected melanoma, the key need
is deciding whether to refer that patient to hospital. The educational
strategies incorporated in any educational programme developed should
reflect this key need.