Development of the programme Mental Disorders in Primary Care as Internet-based distance education in South Africa.

SETTING

This innovative educational programme was developed in the South African context for general practitioners (GPs).

AIM

This short report describes the process of designing an Internet-based distance education programme Mental Disorders in Primary Care.

LEARNING METHODS

The article discusses relevant educational principles and then describes four stages in the instructional design process: design, development, evaluation and revision.

CONCLUSION

The design and development of an Internet-based distance education programme for GPs in South Africa was a potent learning experience for me as an academic family physician with no prior experience in this area. I hope that this short report will assist other people and contribute to an ongoing dialogue on this topic.