HOSPITAL DOCTORS, GENERAL-PRACTITIONERS AND DENTISTS LEARNING TOGETHER

The design, implementation and evaluation of an innovative course on e ducation for a group of hospital doctors, general practitioners and de ntists is described. It took place over five 2-day modules spread over 21 months. There were 33 participants and several tutors and external resources. The course was designed around group work and used a learn er-centred agenda. Evaluation was by use of the nominal group techniqu e during the course and by open questionnaires after 18 months. The co urse was successful in stimulating a number of activities and in devel oping the skills and confidence of the participants. Problem areas cen tred around the tension between the learner-centred agenda and the par ticipants' need for structure. Courses such as this require good admin istration, a cohesive and supportive tutors' group, a clear statement of aims, even within a learner-centred framework, and the establishmen t of clear ground rules to allow the participants to feel safe. Withou t safety it is arguable that less challenging learning will occur.