BACKGROUND: One general practice has offered preregistration rotations in general practice since 1981. Although popular with doctors who participate in the scheme, and considered a success by the associated teaching hospital, it remains the only established general practice rotation in the United Kingdom. AIM: A study was undertaken to assess the degree of interest in preregistration rotations in general practice expressed by medical school deans and heads of departments of general practice. METHOD: A questionnaire was sent to all 26 deans of medical schools and all 25 heads of departments of general practice of teaching hospitals in the UK that undertook clinical training. RESULTS: A total of 24 deans (92%) and 24 heads of departments of general practice (96%) replied to the questionnaire. The scheme was thought to be of value by 58% of deans and 79% of heads of departments of general practice. Half of the teaching hospitals thought that they might consider such a rotation in the next 3-5 years. The most frequently cited problem initiating such a scheme was financial. CONCLUSION: Given the current interest in medical teaching in the community, preregistration rotations in general practice deserve more attention.
BACKGROUND: One general practice has offered preregistration rotations in general practice since 1981. Although popular with doctors who participate in the scheme, and considered a success by the associated teaching hospital, it remains the only established general practice rotation in the United Kingdom. AIM: A study was undertaken to assess the degree of interest in preregistration rotations in general practice expressed by medical school deans and heads of departments of general practice. METHOD: A questionnaire was sent to all 26 deans of medical schools and all 25 heads of departments of general practice of teaching hospitals in the UK that undertook clinical training. RESULTS: A total of 24 deans (92%) and 24 heads of departments of general practice (96%) replied to the questionnaire. The scheme was thought to be of value by 58% of deans and 79% of heads of departments of general practice. Half of the teaching hospitals thought that they might consider such a rotation in the next 3-5 years. The most frequently cited problem initiating such a scheme was financial. CONCLUSION: Given the current interest in medical teaching in the community, preregistration rotations in general practice deserve more attention.