The application of psychodynamic principles to the learning objectives in a general practice vocational training scheme in the setting of a small group.
This paper is the result of 12 years' work and describes the application of psychodynamic principles to the structuring and conducting of a course for general practitioners in the Ipswich Vocational Training Scheme. The overall aims are to release the potential of each trainee for life-long self-motivated study and for emotional sensitivity through self-awareness. We have attempted to integrate the emotional and factual learning of the trainee by applying the procedures found valuable in psychoanalytic therapy to the learning process, thus enabling him to go through some of the integrative experience present in therapy. This will help him to use the doctor/patient relationship more creatively. A secondary aim is to provide him with the necessary skills to enable him to become a better partner, trainer and educationist. The course to which this was applied started 12 years ago with a unique feature. It was constructed so as to have 8 members who worked together throughout the 3 years of their training; the first 2 years being spent in rotating hospital posts and the last in general practice. Throughout the 3 years the 8 members came together with two staff for weekly sessions in a small group setting. Since the beginning of the scheme we have had six cohorts of 8 members, with 2 'drop-outs' and 'drop-ins', making a total of 50 doctors.