Abstract
BackgroundFamily Medicine (FM) training is new in Botswana. No previous evaluation of the experiences and opinions of residents of the University of Botswana (UB) Family Medicine training programme has been reported.AimsThis study explored and assessed residents’ experiences and satisfaction with the FM training programme at the UB and solicited potential strategies for improvement from the residents.MethodsA descriptive survey using a self-administered questionnaire based on a Likert-type scale and open-ended questions was used to collect data from FM residents at the UB.ResultsEight out the 14 eligible residents participated to this study. Generally, residents were not satisfied with the FM training programme. Staff shortage, inadequate supervision and poor programme organisation by the faculty were the main reasons for this. However, the residents were satisfied with weekly training schedules and the diversity of patients in the current training sites. Residents’ potential solutions included an increase in staff, the acquisition of equipment at teaching sites and emphasis on FM core topics teachings. They had different views regarding how certain future career paths will be.ConclusionsDespite the general dissatisfaction among residents because of challenges faced by the training programme, we have learnt that residents are capable of valuable inputs for improvement of their programme when engaged. There is need for the Department of Family Medicine to work with the Ministry of Health to set a clear career pathway for future graduates and to reflect on residents’ input for possible implementation.
Highlights
Residency training programmes in Family Medicine (FM) have been in existence in other parts of the world for a number of years as reported in studies carried out in the United States[1] and Saudi Arabia.[2]The development of FM residency programmes in Africa is a reality with the setting of new FM centres in central, East, and West Africa.[3]The evaluation of those programmes in a SWOT analysis[4] reported weaknesses and strengths that will be worth looking at and comparing with other new training programmes such as the University of Botswana (UB) Family Medicine residency
All 14 eligible FM residents based in Maun and Mahalapye in December 2014 were invited to participate in the study
Of 14 eligible residents, 8 residents in their fourth or fifth years in the FM programme participated in this study
Summary
The development of FM residency programmes in Africa is a reality with the setting of new FM centres in central, East, and West Africa.[3]. The evaluation of those programmes in a SWOT (strength, weakness, opportunity and threats) analysis[4] reported weaknesses and strengths that will be worth looking at and comparing with other new training programmes such as the University of Botswana (UB) Family Medicine residency. No previous evaluation of the experiences and opinions of residents of the University of Botswana (UB) Family Medicine training programme has been reported
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