Evaluation of a distance-education program for training general doctors as primary care specialists in rural Vietnam

PURPOSE: To evaluate a model part-time distance education program for training general doctors as primary care specialists at a district hospital in rural Vietnam. METHODOLOGY: Information was gathered through a survey for graduates of the training program compared with a comparative group of untrained community-based physicians, in-depth interviews with program graduates and trainees, and focus groups with visiting lecturers and clinical mentors.

BACKGROUND: The Ministry of Health of Vietnam established Family Medicine as a new first-degree medical specialty in 2001. In order to improve the delivery of primary health care at the community level in rural areas, a modular training program based on the core content of Family Medicine has been implemented in Khanh Hoa Province since 2006. This program allows physicians to stay in practice while earning certification as first-degree specialists.

RESULTS: Overall trained providers had a higher level of self-reported knowledge on key primary care topics than untrained providers. Trained providers also had a significantly higher level of self-reported competency in implementing key primary care practices. Lack of communication between on-site clinical mentors and visiting medical school faculty was cited as a challenge, but several areas for immediate improvement were suggested. Overall trainees were enthusiastic about the program and reported increased ability to address the majority of health needs in their community.

CONCLUSIONS: Distance-education training programs for general doctors to earn first-degree specialty certification in Family Medicine are a feasible and effective way to improve provision of high quality primary care services in rural communities in Vietnam.