ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Currently, primary care center rotation is not compulsory for residents in pediatrics. The aim of this study was to describe the experience of tutors and residents during primary care rotation, which has been compulsory for residents in the Hospital 12 Octubre in Madrid for the last 5 years. METHODS: We performed an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study through a survey carried out in June 2005 of 12 accredited tutors and 38 residents. RESULTS: Sixty-eight percent of the residents did not know how primary care centers worked. Eighty-four percent of the residents considered that the first year of residence was the best year for rotation in primary care, 64% would choose the center according to the tutor, and 97% highlighted the teaching of the tutors. Tutors and residents believed that the length of the rotation (1.5 months) was short. All tutors and residents thought that the main objectives were achieved and recognized the importance of the rotation. Tutors found teaching gratifying and all agreed that their work should be compensated by professional recognition or greater access to training. Coordination with the hospital's pediatric teaching board should be improved. CONCLUSIONS: Compulsory rotation in primary care is feasible and is a positive component of pediatrics training. Residents and tutors considered this experience to be satisfactory and well adapted to the established objectives. The position of teaching coordinator should be created in primary care, the length of rotations prolonged and tutors' work should be compensated.
