title: Attitudes to recertification measured over time using a validated semantic differential scale.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study was designed to measure the acceptability of the Royal New Zealand College of GPs' Recertification programme to the GPs in the programme.
  
  
  METHODS
  Questionnaire study of a stratified random sample of members of the RNZCGP.
  
  
  METHODS
  A semantic differential attitude scale was developed and validated. The scale was administered to 300 GPs before the Recertification programme began and repeated with 100 of these GPs 18 months later. After 3 years of the programme the questionnaire was administered to the original 300 GPs.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Baseline data showed reasonable acceptance of the concept of recertification but by 18 months there was a significant deterioration in the way the programme was perceived and this did not change over 3 years. Many GPs were not convinced of the value of the programme.
authors.affiliation: Department of General Practice, Medicine and Health Sciences Campus, University of Auckland, Private Bag, 92019, Auckland, New Zealand.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Tracey
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Arroll
authors.forename: D E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Richmond
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002568:Certification; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D009520:New Zealand; D010821:Physicians, Family / Q000193:education*