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After an imported case of Marburg hemorrhagic fever was reported in 2008 in the Netherlands, control measures to prevent transmission were implemented. To evaluate consequences of these measures, we administered [...]

To assess the response to the reemergence of lymphogranuloma venereum, we conducted a cross-sectional survey by administering a structured questionnaire to representatives from 26 European countries. Responses were received from [...]

Background: Postgraduate training in general practice aims to develop clinical competence. However, little is known about its effect on trainees' development of competence.Objective: Our aim was to investigate whether 3 years of postgraduate training in general practice leads to a higher level of knowledge than 2 years training while maintaining the same structure and educational objectives.Methods: This retrospective study had a mixed longitudinal design. Trainees of the Dutch postgraduate training in general practice participated. Knowledge was assessed by written progress testing of knowledge relevant to general practice embedded in real life situations. Test results were collected from 1992 to 1999. The results of trainees who received the 2-year and 3-year curriculum were compared.Results: Both curricula started with the same entrance level and showed the largest acquisition of knowledge at the start and towards the end of training. Both curricula showed stagnation in growth at the end of the training period in which trainees rotate through hospitals, nursing homes and mental health institutions. The level of knowledge at the end of training was significantly higher for the 3-year curriculum.Conclusion: This study shows that postgraduate training contributes to an increase in knowledge and that a 3-year programme leads to a higher level of knowledge than a 2-year programme. The stagnation in growth found at the end of rotations through hospitals, nursing homes and mental health institutions questions the impact of these rotations on the development of competence and the efficacy of the training as a whole. Further study is needed to draw more firm conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assesses the effect of a program for improving knowledge of and attitude toward cholesterol guidelines in the Netherlands. Barriers to the implementation of cholesterol guidelines; Details of guideline implementation; Information on the Dutch College of General Practitioners standard.

The article discusses an evaluation of two methods in developing clinical practice guidelines (CPGs). It mentions that a profession-centred consensus procedure has been implemented by the Dutch Dental Association in the Netherlands while a local consensus procedure observes a top-down approach. It notes that the study involved two panels and two existing dental peer groups. Results show that the expert panels were able to create CPGs with superior quality using the Rand modified Delphi procedure as compared to those of the peer groups.