To survey the training needs and assessment of a pilop training program for assistant general practioner (3+ 2 mode) in Shanghai.

A qustionnaire survey and in-depth interview were conducted among 30 trainees of the pilot assistant general practitioner training program of 3+ 2 mode in Jiading District of Shanghai from September to October 2012.

Thirty trainees aged (22.6±0.7)y (5 males and 25 females) received the questionnaire survey. All trainees were in favor of the 3+ 2 mode, of whom 50.0% (15/30) showed "completely willing". In the intension of attending 3+ 2 mode, 40.0% (12/30) expressed "completely willing" and no one showed "unwilling" or "completely unwilling". In the intension of recommending colleagues to attend 3+ 2 mode, 46.7% (14/30) were completely willing and 6.7%(2/30)were unwilling. The basic theory of family medicine was the most needed for trainging contents and 63.3% showed "very need"; the "other item" was the least needed and 41.1% showed "very need". In overall assessment of 3+ 2 mode, 26.7% (8/30) showed "very satisfied", 50.0% (15/30) showed "satisfied" and 23.3% (7/30) showed "so-so". The highest proportion (46.7%, 14/30) scored the ablities of mentors as "very satisfied" and the lowest proportion (26.7%, 8/30) thought the trainging contents was very satistied. Five trainees received in-depth interview, their main points included "the training content should meet the needs of routine work of village clinics", "the study of basic theory of family medicine lacks of practice", "teachers did not have enough knowledge about general practice" and "income was low during training". There were different views on the choice of 3+ 2 mode or diploma-upgrading courses among intervewees.

The trainees have positive attitudes and strong willingness for 3+ 2 mode. But it should be improved in training content, training method, teacher training and supporting policies.

Physician assistants; General practioner; Training; Needs assessment