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Towards vertical integration in general practice education: literature review and discussion paper

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Abstract

Background

Medical education policy in Ireland has enabled an increase in undergraduate and postgraduate education activity in general practice. Internationally, ‘vertical integration in general practice education’ is suggested as a key strategy to support the implementation of this policy development.

Aims

To review the emerging literature on vertical integration in GP education, specifically to define the concept of ‘vertical integration’ with regard to education in general practice and to describe its benefits and challenges.

Methods

We searched ‘Pubmed’, ‘Academic Search Complete’, ‘Google’, and ‘MEDLINE’ databases using multiple terms related to ‘vertical integration’ and ‘general practice education’ for relevant articles published since 2001. Discussion papers, reports, policy documents and position statements were identified from reference lists and retrieved through internet searches.

Results

The key components of ‘vertical integration’ in GP education include continuous educational pathway, all stages in GP education, supporting the continuing educational/professional development needs of learners at each stage and effective curriculum planning and delivery. Many benefits (for GPs, learners and the community) and many challenges (for GPs/practices, learners and GPs in training) have been described. Characteristics of successful implementation include role sharing and collaborative organisational structures.

Conclusions

Recent developments in medical education in Ireland, such as the increase in medical school clinical placements in general practice and postgraduate GP training and the introduction of new competence assurance requirements offer an important opportunity to further inform how vertical integration can support increased educational activity in general practice. Describing this model, recognising its benefits and challenges and supporting its implementation in practice are priorities for medical education in Ireland.

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Acknowledgments

We thank the Health Services Executive (Medical Education Training Directorate) who funded this study and our colleagues Prof Paul Finucane, Prof Bill Shannon, Ms Michelle Murnane, Dr Gary Stack, Dr Lucia Gannon, Dr Manus McGuire, Dr Lisa Murphy, Dr David Moloney, Dr Joseph Arthurs and Dr Billy O’Connell whose advice on planning this study was invaluable.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Graduate Entry Medical School, University of Limerick, Castletroy, Limerick, Ireland

    A. O’Regan, A. Culhane, C. Dunne, D. Meagher, D. McGrath, P. O’Dwyer & W. Cullen

  2. HSE Midwest Specialist Training Programme in General Practice and Graduate Entry Medical School, University of Limerick, Castletroy, Limerick, Ireland

    M. Griffin

Authors
  1. A. O’Regan
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  2. A. Culhane
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  3. C. Dunne
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  4. M. Griffin
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  5. D. Meagher
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  6. D. McGrath
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  7. P. O’Dwyer
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  8. W. Cullen
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to W. Cullen.

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O’Regan, A., Culhane, A., Dunne, C. et al. Towards vertical integration in general practice education: literature review and discussion paper. Ir J Med Sci 182, 319–324 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-012-0893-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-012-0893-7

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