Towards inclusive learning environments in post-graduate medical education: stakeholder-driven strategies in Dutch GP-specialty training.

BACKGROUND: A recent study found that ethnic minority General Practice (GP)-trainees receive more negative assessments than their majority peers. Previous qualitative research suggested that learning climate-related factors play a pivotal role in unequal opportunities for trainees in post-graduate medical settings, indicating that insufficient inclusivity had put minority students at risk of failure and dropout. STUDY OBJECTIVES: We aimed to develop broadly supported strategies for an inclusive learning climate in Dutch GP-specialty training. METHODS: We employed Participatory Action Research (PAR)-methods, incorporating Participatory Learning and Action (PLA)-techniques to ensure equal voices for all stakeholders in shaping Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)-strategies for GP-specialty training. Our approach engaged stakeholders within two pilot GP-specialty training institutes across diverse roles, including management, support staff, in-faculty teachers, in-clinic supervisors, and trainees, representing ethnic minorities and the majority population. Purposeful convenience sampling formed stakeholder- and co-reader groups in two Dutch GP-specialty training institutes. Stakeholder discussion sessions were based on experiences and literature, including two relevant frameworks, and explored perspectives on the dynamics of potential ethnic minority trainees' disadvantages and opportunities for inclusive strategies. A co-reader group commented on discussion outcomes. Consequently, a management group prioritized suggested strategies based on expected feasibility and compatibility. RESULTS: Input from twelve stakeholder group sessions and thirteen co-readers led to implementation guidance for seven inclusive learning environment strategies, of which the management group prioritized three: • Provide DEI-relevant training programs to all GP-specialty training stakeholders; • Appoint DEI ambassadors in all layers of GP-specialty training; • Give a significant voice to minority GP-trainees in their education. CONCLUSION: The study's participatory approach engaged representatives of all GP-specialty training stakeholders and identified seven inclusive learning climate strategies, of which three were prioritized for implementation in two training institutions.

Self-rated health and health problems of undocumented immigrant women in the Netherlands: a descriptive study.

In this descriptive study, 100 female undocumented immigrants aged > or =18 years were interviewed about their health condition. The objective was to gain insight into the health situation and specific health problems of undocumented women. Sixty-five per cent of these undocumented women rated their health as 'poor' (moderate or bad) and 91 per cent spontaneously mentioned having current health problems. When provided with a list of 26 common health problems, subjects reported on average 11.1 complaints. Gynaecological and psychological complaints were very prevalent, but seldom mentioned spontaneously. Also obstetric problems were numerous. Undocumented women may not present important symptoms to physicians when they encounter them. We conclude that physicians should actively ask about psychological and gynaecological problems in this patient group. Special training on the health problems of undocumented female immigrants for health providers is recommended.

Patient-held records for undocumented immigrants: a blind spot. A systematic review of patient-held records.

OBJECTIVE: As a result of inadequate medical record information, the medical care for undocumented immigrants in general practice is time consuming and often unsatisfactory. The availability of medical record information might improve the medical care for undocumented immigrants. Therefore, we executed a systematic review of literature to investigate the potential benefits of a patient-held record (PHR) for undocumented immigrants. DESIGN: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, PSYCH info and the Cochrane database of systematic reviews. Search terms were: patient-held medical records, client-held medical records, PHRs, client-held records, home-based medical record, medical passport and/or illegal immigrants, and undocumented immigrants. Inclusion criteria were: information on patient and/or doctors compliance of PHRs OR information about views of patient and/or doctors on PHRs and age over 18 years. Two independent reviewers assessed the methodological quality of the selected articles. RESULTS: No studies were found about undocumented immigrants and PHRs. Therefore, we decided to eliminate the search terms illegal immigrants, and undocumented immigrants, and perform a broader search about the use of PHRs in general. This search yielded 61 articles; 42 articles were excluded. Sixteen articles were screened for methodological quality: seven articles met the criteria, six quantitative studies and one qualitative study. In these studies the use and appreciation of PHRs by patients is satisfactory. The use and appreciation of the PHRs by physicians in the studies is lower than the use by patients. The most important obstacle for physicians is the time investment required. CONCLUSION: A PHR for undocumented immigrants seems to be appropriate because in most cases there is no other record available. However, the uncertainty of our findings is considerable. Therefore, we recommend a pilot evaluation of the use of PHRs for undocumented immigrants. In addition, a qualitative approach might be useful to solicit the views of undocumented immigrants and health care workers.

[Sexual harassment of medical students during their period of work placement]. / Seksuele intimidatie van co-assistenten tijdens hun stage.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the incidence, type and consequences of sexual harassment of medical students at the Radboud University in Nijmegen, the Netherlands, during their period of work placement, as well as the students' need for care thereafter. DESIGN: Questionnaire. METHOD: During the period from 1 July to 31 December 2003, 5th and 6th year medical students were asked about their experiences with sexual harassment by means of a questionnaire. Sexual harassment was defined as unwelcome, sexually-coloured attention. RESULTS: Of the 183 questionnaires distributed, 113 (62%) were returned. 15 (20%) of the 75 female students and none of the 38 male students had experienced sexual harassment. The offenders included 9 patients and 6 doctors (54 men and 1 woman). In 7 of the 15 cases the harassment consisted of combinations of unwanted behaviour and unwanted sexually-coloured remarks. 9 of the 15 students had discussed their experiences with their peers, 7 with a supervisor and 3 with nobody. The most important reason to discuss it first in their peer group was that, despite the fact that the students were convinced that the offender's behaviour was unacceptable, they still doubted their own judgement. 5 students felt inhibited in their contacts with patients after the incident. 8 of the 15 offenders were not confronted with their behaviour. 6 of the 15 students were not satisfied with the way their case was handled. CONCLUSION: The problem of sexual harassment of medical students during their period of work placement should not be underestimated. It has a negative impact on the personal and professional conduct of future doctors. This subject should be part of the training of both medical students and their supervisors.