Training demand for chronic wound management of general practitioners in Beijing

Abstract

General practitioners from community health service institutions in Shijingshan, Mentougou, Haidian, Chaoyang, Fengtai and Dongcheng Districts of Beijing were selected to take the examination of chronic wounds management. Questionnaire survey was also performed on the status of community chronic wounds management, medical service motivation, influencing factors and their demand for training. Among 204 general practitioners, 55(27.0%)had mastered basic knowledge, 98 (48.0%) passed the examination and 51(25.0%)failed. The results showed that 179 (87.7%) had changing dressing service, 36.8% offered out-patient consulting service, 17.6% performed surgical debridement, only 10 (4.9%) provided home chronic wounds care service and 2 (0.9%) of them carried out long-term follow-up. According to the motivation survey, all the practitioners expressed the willingness to help the patients and win their trust. Most of the practitioners claimed no supporting from their institutions(91.7%)and chronic wounds management was excluded from daily routine. Furthermore, heavy work load(82.8%)and lack of professional knowledge(80.9%)were also considered to be main obstructive factors. The survey showed that the majority of physicians required classroom teaching (90.1%), case analysis (86.8%), operating video (92.6%) and other teaching forms. More low level doctors(97.1%)had the desire to pursue further specialist training than higher level physicians (56.7%). The results of our investigation indicate that general practitioners in community health service institutions have strong learning motivation for chronic wounds management and systematic training of knowledge and practical skills in this field should be provided. Key words: Community health services; Questionnaires; Chronic wounds