Hawken Susan
Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
N Z Med J. 2005 Jul 29;118(1219):U1584.
To find out how overseas-trained doctors (OTDs) rated the usefulness of the Professional Development component of the Overseas Doctors Training Programme in preparing them to work in the New Zealand health context.
An anonymous postal questionnaire was sent to all 89 doctors that passed the first three intakes of the Overseas Doctors Training Programme in Auckland.
OTDs reported a significant increase in the level of comfort in communicating with patients once they were in a clinical setting (p<0.001), and with communicating effectively and safely with Maori (p<0.001). OTDs also reported that the ethical, legal, and reflective practice sessions prepared them adequately to work in New Zealand. There was a low response rate (30%).
Responding OTDs said the Professional Development component was valuable and effective with respect to improving communication skills and patient-centred consultations.
