Overseas-trained doctors' evaluation of a New Zealand course in professional development.

AIMS

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.

METHODS

An anonymous postal questionnaire was sent to all 89 doctors that passed the first three intakes of the Overseas Doctors Training Programme in Auckland.

RESULTS

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%).

CONCLUSIONS

Responding OTDs said the Professional Development component was valuable and effective with respect to improving communication skills and patient-centred consultations.