The reading habits of RACGP Training Program doctors.

AIM

To describe the reading habits of a cohort of Western Australian RACGP Training Program doctors undertaking general practice terms in 1992.

METHOD

A questionnaire that included a list of journals and books relevant to general practice was distributed to trainees. Information obtained included demographic data, the frequency of journal reading and the number of books read.

RESULTS

There were 68 respondents from a total of 100. Time spent in medical reading ranged from one to 12 hours per week, with a mean of 3.3. The number of journal titles read in the past six months ranged from three to 16. The number of books actually read (from the 39 titles presented) ranged from zero to 17. The most frequently read were the reference type books. Very few of the 'core' books about the nature, scope and philosophy of general practice had been read.

CONCLUSIONS

RACGPTP doctors read mainly for information. To produce educated doctors knowledgeable about their chosen discipline, the Training Program will need to place greater emphasis on introducing their vocational trainees to the writings of the thinkers and philosophers of general practice and family medicine.