What do deans of medical schools and heads of departments of general practice think of preregistration rotations in general practice?

Background. One general practice has offered preregistration rotations in general practice since 1981. Although popular with doctors who participate in the scheme, and considered a success by the associated teaching hospital, it remains the only established general practice rotation in the United Kingdom. Aim. A study was undertaken to assess the degree of interest in preregistration rotations in general practice expressed by medical school deans and heads of departments of general practice. Method. A questionnaire was sent to all 26 deans of medical schools and all 25 heads of departments of general practice of teaching hospitals in the UK that undertook clinical training. Results. A total of 24 deans (92%) and 24 heads of departments of general practice (96%) replied to the questionnaire. The scheme was thought to be of value by 58% of deans and 79% of heads of departments of general practice. Half of the teaching hospitals thought that they might consider such a rotation in the next 3-5 years. The most frequently cited problem initiating such a scheme was financial. Conclusion. Given the current interest in medical teaching in the community, preregistration rotations in general practice deserve more attention.