MINI RESEARCH PROJECTS FOR GP TRAINEES

This paper outlines Family Medicine Programme Victoria's experience wi th trainees undertaking mini research projects during a 13-week GP ter m. With support from an FMP Research Group member and their GP Supervi sor, trainees are encouraged to identify a research question, implemen t a small scale research project and report their findings. The mini r esearch programme aims to provide trainees with a positive personal ex perience of research in general practice towards encouraging trainees to develop a questioning attitude and to recognize research as an inte gral part of general practice. The nature and complexity of studies un dertaken by trainees has varied considerably and most have been report ed in the FMP Victoria newsletter. Evaluation of the programme suggest s that it is a worthwhile means of providing trainees with an initial introduction to general practice research.