Training GPs to screen for diabetic retinopathy. The impact of short term intensive education.
OBJECTIVE
To improve general practitioners' knowledge and skills about diabetic retinopathy.


METHODS
An upskilling program of 11 Sydney (New South Wales) GPs.


METHODS
Level of competency determined by an educational assessment before and six weeks after the program.


RESULTS
Mean scores for multichoice questions increased from 53% before the education to 84% after (p < 0.001); for a photographic examination from 44 to 53% (p = 0.08); and for clinical examination from 41 to 69% (p < 0.001). The screening specificity increased from 47 to 73%.


CONCLUSIONS
General practitioners' knowledge and skills about diabetic retinopathy improved at least short term following an intensive educational program.
Confos
Nick
N
Sydney Eye Hospital, New South Wales.
Frith
John
J
Mitchell
Paul
P
D002983:Clinical Competence; D003930:Diabetic Retinopathy / Q000175:diagnosis*; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing; D006801:Humans; D009517:New South Wales; D010821:Physicians, Family / Q000193:education*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D013997:Time Factors