Meeting advanced learning needs of senior postgraduate trainees through practice-based reflective medical education: evaluation of a formal structured training programme in obstetrics and gynaecology.

Postgraduate training programmes have gradually been focusing on a learner-centred approach. We developed a 2-year rolling postgraduate educational programme in obstetrics and gynaecology to equip trainees with the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to promote self-directed learning. Its aim was to achieve this through critical analysis, application of knowledge and the attainment of skills relating to presentation, facilitation, feedback and assessment. Its evaluation using a trainees' feedback questionnaire (n = 21) showed that content of the pre-course work was scored favourably by 20 trainees, however one-third of trainees raised concerns about effectiveness and feasibility of the work. Lectures were preferred as the method of teaching by 17 compared with small group activity preferred by 14 trainees. The median scores for all items evaluated were above the threshold for concern. Our evaluation concluded that postgraduate teaching programmes based on principles of adult learning and reflective practice promote self-directed learning of professionally relevant objectives. Continuous evaluation helps to improve them further.