Abstract

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of the Spring Seedling Project‐Zhaotong program, a novel continuing medical education program, to improve the knowledge and skills of rural doctors in China.DesignAn uncontrolled single‐group pre‐ and post‐intervention design based on quantitative and qualitative methods.SettingZhaotong is a prefecture‐level city located in Yunnan, China.ParticipantsA total of 1866 country doctors practising in Zhaotong were enrolled.InterventionsThe Zhaotong program consisted of three stages: remote education, workshops conducted in Zhaotong and field training in Shanghai.Main outcome measuresThe effectiveness of the remote education and Zhaotong workshop stages was assessed based on differences between pre‐ and post‐training test scores. Qualitative comments were collected to assess the experience of country doctors following the Shanghai field training stage.ResultsIn total, 1866 country doctors (46.9% males; mean age: 38.2 ± 9.2 years) participated in the program. The average score of the post‐training test was higher than that of the pre‐training test, both online (P < .001) and offline (P < .001). In regard to the Zhaotong workshops, with the exception of incisions/suturing, the average scores of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, gynaecological examinations and child growth/development were improved after training (P < .001). Qualitative analysis showed that Shanghai field training enhanced understanding of general practice, with the majority of country doctors indicating that they would apply what they learned in daily practice.ConclusionThis study introduced an comprehensive form of continuing medical education for rural doctors in Zhaotong and proved the effectiveness of this program and also provided a reference point for the future development of continuing medical education.

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