Are general practice registrars prepared for immunisation? A cross sectional survey.
OBJECTIVE
To describe undergraduate formal training on immunisation as remembered by general practice registrars and its perceived helpfulness.


METHODS
Self completed questionnaire by all general practice registrars in advanced general practice terms (second 6 months of general practice) in New South Wales during 2002.


RESULTS
Formal undergraduate training in immunisation was reported by 68% (84/123) of respondents. The 20% who remembered formal practical training were significantly more likely to rate it as helpful (OR: 1.7 p<0.05). Only 33% recalled a practical session offered by one university during an undergraduate paediatrics rotation. The most frequent training request was for practical experience, and the most commonly used print resource was the Australian Immunisation Handbook.


CONCLUSIONS
General practice registrar access to a training session on practical immunisation techniques and childhood immunisation before commencing the basic general practice term might be helpful. Registrars should automatically receive a copy of the Australian Immunisation Handbook which might address perceived education needs.
Leask
Julie
J
National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance of Vaccine Preventable Diseases, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, and the University of Sydney, New South Wales. JulieL3@chw.edu.au
Williams
Alison
A
McIntyre
Peter
P
O'Dea
Deirdre
D
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003479:Curriculum; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005194:Family Practice / Q000193:education* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009517:New South Wales