Document Detail


Integration into the Australian health care system--insights from international medical graduates.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  19893827     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
BACKGROUND: International medical graduates (IMGs) now comprise a significant part of the Australian workforce. However, their perspective on strategies to facilitate their effective integration into the Australian health care system have not been adequately explored. This article presents the findings from qualitative research that explored IMGs experience before, during, and after their involvement in the observer program, a hospital based pre-employment program for IMGs conducted in the Department of Medicine at the Redland Hospital, Queensland. METHODS: An iterative, qualitative research methodology was utilised, using open ended interviews with IMGs about their experience and involvement with the observer program. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. RESULTS: The participants asserted that, due to the Australian need for IMGs, it is in Australia's interests to ensure an effective and efficient process for the integration of IMGs. Strategies they believed would improve this process included providing information to IMGs before departure from their country of origin, improving website information, providing more support for bridging courses, funding more observer programs, providing an IMG liaison officer at hospitals, reducing the difficulties associated with passing the Australian Medical Council examination, providing support for IMGs' families, and relaxing the rules about when and where IMGs can practise medicine. DISCUSSION: The participants' perspectives on desirable changes to the Australian system that would facilitate IMGs' integration are presented. It is stressed that these findings represent the perspectives of IMGs only, and that any and all changes to the process of integration of IMGs must have as a primary benchmark the aim of ensuring that the highest quality of medical care is provided to the Australian population.
Authors:
Pam McGrath; David Henderson; Emma Phillips
Related Documents :
2644937 - The va's affiliation with academic medicine: an emergency post-war strategy becomes a p...
10609597 - International and us medical graduates in us cities.
8007077 - How will graduate medical education reform affect specialties and geographic areas?
16031467 - Demographic profile of the veterinary profession in new zealand, 1985.
3334797 - Cellular telephone communication between hospitals and ambulances.
15974227 - Surgical equipment and materials left in patients.
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Australian family physician     Volume:  38     ISSN:  0300-8495     ISO Abbreviation:  Aust Fam Physician     Publication Date:  2009 Oct 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2009-11-06     Completed Date:  2010-01-26     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  0326701     Medline TA:  Aust Fam Physician     Country:  Australia    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  844-8     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
International Program of Psycho-Social Health Research, Central Queensland University. pam_mcgrath@bigpond.com
Export Citation:
APA/MLA Format     Download EndNote     Download BibTex
MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Adult
Attitude of Health Personnel
Australia
Credentialing*
Female
Foreign Medical Graduates*
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Needs Assessment*
Personnel Administration, Hospital
Personnel Selection / methods*,  organization & administration
Queensland

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


Previous Document:  The practice of confidentiality in an Aboriginal medical service--what do GPs need to know?
Next Document:  Once bitten.