Effectiveness of the family medicine curriculum in the improvement of skills and knowledge of family medicine residents in Sudan 2024: a quantitative and qualitative survey

Family medicine was established in Sudan in 2006 after the first family medicine master's degree program was established. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the family medicine curriculum in the Sudan Medical Specialization Board (SMSB) and provide baseline and updated data on the strengths and weaknesses of the family medicine training program. A cross-sectional quantitative and qualitative descriptive survey was conducted from February to October 2024. Data was collected through a pretested, pre-coded online questionnaire. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with the family medicine specialists and trainers in the SMSB. All data were summarized numerically (mean, standard deviation, median) and graphically (frequency tables). The Chi square test was used to determine association among categorized variables. P value < 0.05 is considered statistically significant. Qualitative data was recorded, transcribed, coded, and analyzed using a content analysis approach. A total of 100 family medicine doctors participated in the study. Most of the participants (82%) were females. Regarding the job title (76%) of the participants were residents and the rest (24%) were specialists. More than half of the participants (66%) were from Khartoum state. Most of the participants (87%) reported satisfaction with the family medicine training curriculum in the SMSB and its effectiveness in improving knowledge and practices. Furthermore, (81%) of the participants reported that the lectures and workshops arranged for the residents were sufficient to improve their knowledge. Some of the residents interviewed (30%) complained of dissatisfaction with the research methodology course, and about half of them reported that the course was ineffective and did not improve their knowledge and skills in research. Furthermore, residents reported the family medicine research committee in the SMSB had unclear requirements which was reflected in a high rejection rate of the research proposals submitted by residents. The SMSB Family Medicine curriculum is a well-structured, training-focused program designed to enhance residents' satisfaction, knowledge, and clinical competencies. Significant concerns arise regarding the need for standardized curriculum details, trainer availability, and research support, all of which are crucial for the ongoing development and effectiveness of the program.