Self-assessment in general practice trainees : insights into the profession and its postgraduate training
(2009)
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- (en) General practice is in the midst of significant battles for professional jurisdiction. In its effort to stake its claim, it has produced new definitions of its tasks and implemented specialised postgraduate curricula. We explored the results of this endeavour by examining the perceptions of the next generation of general practitioners (GPs). In order to frame our questions, we developed a conceptual model of self-assessment as a multilayered construct. We explored trainees’ professional self-concept to determine whether the professional identity of future GPs was in line with the profession’s new definitions. We investigated whether our postgraduate curriculum provided relevant role models. We examined levels of self-perceived competence and self-efficacy beliefs, hypothesising that low levels might hinder ability to practice independently. We studied the role of practical training in regards to the development of self-perceived competence. Finally, we looked at levels of usable knowledge as a key indicator of potential for independent practice, and at ability to self-assess knowledge accurately as an indicator of self-monitoring ability. Our main findings were that general practice trainees were well socialised into the profession by the end of their postgraduate training. There were however tensions between their vision of ideal practice organisation and the practice models of their supervisors. Most trainees developed sufficient confidence in their ability to practice independently. Nevertheless a significant minority of trainees did not. Volume of practice was not found to be an important factor. Confidence and competence were not linked. Other potential factors are discussed including the role of supervision. In its aim to train autonomous professionals, postgraduate training should not limit its focus on developing competence. Further studies and avenues for improving our postgraduate curriculum are discussed. Supervisor training may be a key piece in this complex puzzle.
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Dory, V. (2009). Self-assessment in general practice trainees : insights into the profession and its postgraduate training. https://hdl.handle.net/2078.5/128980