Training in the speciality of General and Family Medicine in Angola: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Primary healthcare plays a crucial role in health system, acting as the first line of assistance in preventing, treating and caring for diseases. In Angola, primary healthcare is a recent and developing reality.

Aim: To evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the Angolan General and Family Medicine speciality training programme, identifying areas for improvement and promotion of medical education quality.

Setting: Primary healthcare doctors in Angola, including General and Family Medicine specialists and residents in training.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2024 to June 2024 using an online structured questionnaire. The survey was distributed via email and messaging platforms to all primary care doctors practising in Angola. Participants were asked about their opinions regarding the education process and training conditions. Two open-ended questions complemented the data collection.

Results: A total of 584 doctors responded (61.1% females), with a mean age of 40.6 years. The most positively evaluated dimensions were faculty and mentoring, supervision, resident guidance, and programme evaluation. Conversely, the quality of infrastructure and access to educational resources were identified as major weaknesses in the training process.

Conclusion: Despite limitations in teaching materials and infrastructure, the overall perception of General and Family Medicine training in Angola is positive. There is a recognised opportunity to expand and strengthen the programme nationally.

Contribution: These findings reflect the perspectives of primary care doctors in Angola and provide valuable insights for policymakers and medical institutions to reinforce a speciality essential to national health system development and population health outcomes.