First aid and basic life support of junior doctors: A prospective study in Nijmegen, the Netherlands.

According to the Dutch medical education guidelines junior doctors are expected to be able to perform first aid and basic life support. A prospective study was undertaken to assess the level of first aid and basic life support (BLS) competence of junior doctors at the Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre (RUNMC), the Netherlands. Fifty-four junior doctors (18%), of the medical students in their final years, were submitted to a theoretical test, composed of multiple-choice questions concerning first aid and basic life support. This test was followed by a practical test consisting of two out-of-hospital first aid and basic life support scenarios including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). In total, 19% of the junior doctors passed the theoretical test. The first scenario was performed correctly in 11%. The CPR situation was correctly performed by 30% of the students as observed by the examiners but when assessed by the checklists of Berden only 6% of the students performed correct CPR. It is concluded that the level of first aid and basic life support of the junior doctors at the RUNMC is low and does not meet the required level as stated in the guidelines for practice of medical education in the Netherlands.

Core characteristics of the competent general practice trainer, a Delphi study.

INTRODUCTION: The specific skills, attitude, knowledge, and personality characteristics, which should define the competent GP-trainer have been subject of research for many years. What are the most important of these characteristics have yet to be delineated. AIM: The aim of this study is to identify which characteristics are prerequisite for a competent GP-trainer. METHOD: A modified Delphi procedure was used to answer the research question. Earlier qualitative research using focus groups identified 43 characteristics defining the competent GP-trainer. These characteristics were the subject of the Delphi procedure in which 48 experts chosen from the entire field of Dutch General Practice Training participated. RESULTS: After two rounds of the Delphi procedure, 37 characteristics were identified as being important for a competent GP-trainer. The characteristics which were ranked as the most important were 1. a competent GP-trainer is good at giving feedback, 2. dares to give feedback, 3. is critical of the GP-trainee and the learning process, 4. is good at communicating with the GP-trainee, and 5. has respect for the trainee. An important new characteristic has been identified: "being able to inspire reflection in the trainee". CONCLUSION: The core characteristics of the GP-trainer as identified in this research project, form a profile for the ideal GP-trainer to be used as a blueprint for objectives of schooling and for the assessment of GP-trainers.