Increasing general practitioner use of evidence-based medicine in teaching and clinical practice through evidence-based journal clubs.

Learning evidence-based medicine (EBM) skills is now integral to university medical education. GPs who trained before the introduction of EBM in the late 1990s have identified a lack of training in this area. Evidence-based journal clubs (EBJCs) aim to promote the application of research evidence to clinical decision making. GPs meet regularly to develop EBM skills and apply these to questions arising in their clinical practice. Over 4 years, 47 GP clinical supervisors of medical students participated in a series of EBJCs offered by a university medical school. This article presents a qualitative exploration of their views and experiences. GPs noted that participating in EBJCs improved their use of EBM in clinical practice by making them more independent learners, facilitating consistent management approaches in group practices and aligning their skills in EBM with those of current students. Barriers such as time constraints and limited access to EBM resources were also noted, and GPs discussed strategies for managing these. Opportunities for GPs who act as clinical supervisors to increase their skills in EBM are important, particularly for those GPs transitioning from a traditional medical education model to an EBM model, as they role model highest-quality patient care to students, including the need for ongoing learning.

Beyond diagnosis and survivorship: findings from a mixed-methods study of a community-based cancer support service.

This consumer-led research investigated the client experiences and the individual and community benefits of a community-based cancer support service operating in a regional setting. The study included cross-sectional surveys, focus group discussions and key-informant interviews. In total, 114 clients, 28 carers and 20 therapists were surveyed; three client focus groups were conducted and five directors and staff were interviewed. For many clients and carers, the warm welcome experienced at first contact sets the tone for a long-term association with the organisation. The feeling of being cared for extends to the broader community and living with cancer becomes more than survivorship. Integral to the organisational model are opportunity (second-hand) shops that enable subsidised complementary therapies and other services, offer a way of giving back and assist disadvantaged community members. The organisational model has benefits, not only for people living with cancer and their families, but also for the wider community.

International medical graduates - challenges faced in the Australian training program.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have examined the challenges faced by international medical graduate (IMG) registrars and their supervisors in the Australian General Practice Training Program. This study explored registrar and supervisor perspectives on these challenges. METHODS: Five IMG registrars and 10 experienced supervisors were interviewed between August 2006 and March 2007. RESULTS: Six themes were identified: language and communication, cultural issues, understanding the Australian health care system, clinical knowledge and its application, consulting styles and registrar support. DISCUSSION: Addressing the issues identified in this study can provide an easier transition for IMG registrars and help them reach their full potential.