LOVAH programme in Holland – January 2012

Anna Matthews and Matt Baines

About

• Matt and I represented the UK in the 2012 LOVAH exchange which was held in the Netherlands.

• 24th to 28th January 2012.• Robin recommended the trip to each of us.• LOVAH- Dutch national association of GP trainees. 98%

of Dutch GP trainees are members.• WES- An initiative of LOVAH. Dedicates itself to the

exchange of GP trainees through participation in international congres and exchange programmes for GP trainees

Experience at Dutch GP

Anna Similar training scheme as the UK's 1 hour teaching session with their GP trainer

every day. “Speed dating” for allocation of practice. Greater use of alternative therapies. High number of home visits.

Experience at Dutch GP

Matt• Dress code – less formal• Importance of visual clues – spotting all

diagnoses! (despite language barriers)• Home visits – similar to UK• Consultation cost - €200, then the rest is paid

by insurance (GP prices each consultation)• Read codes – some surprising!

Day at Amsterdam University All 30 European GP trainee representatives met at

the University of Amsterdam. Examined differences in consultation skills and in the

role of primary care. Simulated patient exercises. UK and Holland very similar- 10 mins, ICE. Large variety in consultation times. Consultation practices different in different countries

but are patients different too?

Conference and workshop

• Conference of Dutch trainees – lectures, socials and networking

“Doctors are human too...”• Importance of a good work-life balance – universally

important. Vs High stress levels• Personal traits – perfectionism, high achieving• 80% of doctors would attend work with an illness

that they would have given a patient a sick note for• More laid back in Italy and Spain

Social side

Social side

Social side

Social side

Take home messages

Challenges & Learning opportunities:• Language• Lots of Travelling!• Great learning experiences• Networking...meeting friends from all over

Europe