Keywords: Family Medicine Training Tutors Program
Background:
In Portugal, Family Medicine (FM) specialty training has gradually shifted towards primary care workplace-based training making the FM resident tutor a central figure. FM tutors have no national training program, certification or formal assessment, although the FM Residency Coordination of the Lisbon Region (FMRCLR) evaluates the tutor´s profile for teaching and offers each first-time-tutor a basic tutor course.
Methods:
FMRCLR used several strategies to develop a Train the Teachers program for 660 FM resident tutors: 1) Collaborating on the national FM tutor´s skills and competency profile; 2) FM tutors learning needs questionnaire to assess personal training needs; 3) Revised basic first-time-tutor course in b-learning format; 4) Workshops on leadership, workplace-based assessment, feedback, video consultation analysis, narrative medicine and empathic communication skills. 5) Access to resident training courses, some partially adapted emphasizing tutor-relevant skills; 6) Organizing an on-site, tutor joint training Open Day.
Results:
1) The national FM tutor profile was published for educational supervisors and tutors. 2) 101 tutors replied the questionnaire requesting training in: structured feedback, andragogic teaching skills, identifying learning needs, implementing remediation programs; summative and formative assessment; 3) 95 tutors attended the b-learning updated format basic course, with positive feedback. The online content allowed continued access to relevant information. 4) 136 participants completed tutor workshops with positive feedback; 5) 61 tutors completed FM resident´s courses. 6) 61 tutors attended the 2022 Open Day and 72 de 2023 Open Day with positive feedback.
In total, there were 353 participant tutors in FMRCLR courses during 2022.
Conclusion(s):
The program was implemented based on learning needs and the national “ideal FM tutor” profile. Participation uptake was encouraging and feedback was positive. We expect it to have a positive impact on tutor and resident motivation, competency and satisfaction. We aim to re-evaluate after 3-years and hope to contribute to regular FM tutor assessment/recertification criteria.
Points for discussion:
Development of a structured Train the Trainers program
Continuous tutor training and Tutor certification
Andragogic participative “Leonardo EURACT” methods in tutor training
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