Continuing medical education for general practitioners--a Northern Ireland plan.

Following the introduction of the 1990 contract for general practitioners and the new postgraduate education allowance, the Northern Ireland Continuing Medical Education Group, comprising the clinical tutors from four Belfast hospitals and members of the University department of general practice, was established to provide high quality co-ordinated continuing medical education for general practitioners. A questionnaire was sent to all general practitioners in Northern Ireland to find out their needs and preferences with regard to continuing education. The responses indicate the value of small group discussion as well as the traditional lecture and the important role of local hospital consultants in providing education. Therapeutics, recent advances in medicine and learning new skills are all desirable topics. The group intends to use this information in the provision of courses for general practitioners in the province.