Kennis van huisartsen over chronische aandoeningen

In this article the results are described of a study on the assessment of the knowledge of GPs in different stages of their professional career. A written knowledge test was used covering the complete domain of GP knowledge. The test consisted of 160 case-related items, 30 of them concerned chronic diseases. The knowledge test was taken by more than 900 GPs and GP-trainees from the whole country. The results showed that the mean scores on the complete test of the group of experienced GPs surpassed the mean scores of all trainees. Highest scores were found with the most recently graduated GPs. The average scores decreased with increasing experience. Knowledge on chronic diseases, however, followed a different course: knowledge on chronic diseases is gathered at the end of postgraduate training, and the level of knowledge showes no decline during the professional career. Some indications were found that the level of knowledge is related to actual practice experiences: GPs with relatively many elderly patients in their practice scored better on chronic diseases. The conclusion is that knowledge tests may be very useful in the continuing education of GPs. They can give more insight in individual and group strongnesses and weaknesses of GPs. The findings implicate the necessity of more guidance in the planning and choosing of CME topics. Key words Family practice; Medical education; Vocational training.