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.