Menopause into the Millennium: Development of a Training Program for General Practitioners in Menopausal Medicine

Abstract

Recent studies suggest that general practitioners (GPs) are voicing a need for continuing medical education to help them in their role as primary health care providers for women going through the menopause. The study describes the development and evaluation of a pilot training program for GPs in menopausal medicine. Key features of the program include: the importance of GPs in the development of the program; recognition of adult learning principles; the incorporation of women's views; the accessibility of the program; and the recognition that providing GPs with high, quality, relevant education on the menopause should ultimately benefit women seeking their help. Evaluation of the pilot program found that GPs were very satisfied with the content and delivery of the program. The material presented was found to be relevant to GP practices and a substantial proportion of GPs suggested that the information would change the way they practiced.