title: How we use patient encounter data for reflective learning in family medicine training.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Consulting with patients is the core learning activity of Australian family medicine (general practice/GP) training, providing a rich source of reflective learning for trainees. We have developed a reflective learning program for postgraduate vocational trainees based on clinical encounters.
  
  
  METHODS
  The Registrar Clinical Encounters in Training (ReCEnT) program is an educational program documenting GP trainees' consultations in five Australian GP training providers. Trainees record patient demographics, consultation details, problems managed, management practices and educational factors from sixty consecutive consultations per six-month training term. Trainees receive a detailed feedback report comparing individual data to aggregated trainee data and national GP data.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The patient encounter system provides multiple opportunities for reflective learning across a number of domains of exposure and practice. Reflection can occur during completion of the encounter form; as self-reflection on the feedback report; as facilitated reflection with the GP trainer and medical educator; and as part of integration of data into teaching. We have identified areas for further development, including enhancing the reflective skills of trainees and trainers.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The ReCEnT patient encounter program provides a rich platform for reflective learning for vocational trainees and supports development of skills in lifelong learning.
authors.affiliation: a General Practice Training Valley to Coast , Australia .
authors.forename: Simon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Morgan
authors.affiliation: a General Practice Training Valley to Coast , Australia .
authors.forename: Kim
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Henderson
authors.affiliation: a General Practice Training Valley to Coast , Australia .
authors.forename: Amanda
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tapley
authors.affiliation: a General Practice Training Valley to Coast , Australia .
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Scott
authors.affiliation: b The University of Queensland , Australia .
authors.forename: Mieke
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: van Driel
authors.affiliation: c University of Newcastle , Australia .
authors.forename: Allison
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Thomson
authors.affiliation: d Victorian Metropolitan Alliance General Practice Training , Australia .
authors.forename: Neil
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Spike
authors.affiliation: e Adelaide to Outback GP Training Program , Australia .
authors.forename: Lawrie
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: McArthur
authors.affiliation: f Tropical Medical Training , Australia.
authors.forename: Jenny
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Presser
authors.affiliation: a General Practice Training Valley to Coast , Australia .|c University of Newcastle , Australia .
authors.forename: Parker
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Magin
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia; D004501:Education, Medical / Q000379:methods*; D005194:Family Practice / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D018794:Problem-Based Learning; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors