The “Seminartage Weiterbildung Allgemeinmedizin” (SemiWAM(®)) – development, implementation and evaluation of a five-year, competence-based postgraduate programme in Bavaria

INTRODUCTION: Starting in 2013, a five-year, competence-based postgraduate programme, the “Seminartage Weiterbildung Allgemeinmedizin” (SemiWAM(®)) for continuing education in general practice, was developed and offered in Bavaria. This evaluation reports on the experiences of SemiWAM(®) after a first cycle. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Process reflection based on the cycle of Kern: In addition to qualitative findings, results of the evaluation forms (mean values with standard deviation) are presented. The evaluation form contained questions on organisational issues, content of presentation, didactic preparation of the supervisor, transfer to real life practice as well as demographic variables. All questions were voted on a six-point Likert scale from “1=very satisfied” to “6=very dissatisfied”. RESULTS: The reflection showed three crucial entry points: Choosing “reason for encounter” as a content precondition to ensure target audience needs, the close didactic supervision of supervisor, and the continuous growth of supervisor team with newly qualified GP. The evaluation results for the overall assessment (MW 1.11-1.60), the didactic concept (MW 1.30-1.87), as well as the transfer into daily life practice (MW 1.48-2.35) reflect the high quality of the SemiWAM(®). DISCUSSION: The SemiWAM(®) curriculum presented can be easily transferred to comparable structures in Germany that accompany specialty training, such as the competence centres for residency training in general practice. The process evaluation based on the core cycle also provides important support for the agile implementation of these or similar programmes.