Evaluating the new family medicine internship programmes in the Western Cape, South Africa

Background: In 2021, South Africa introduced a new 6-month internship in family medicine and primary care. This study aimed to assess the new rotation at district health facilities in the Western Cape. Methods: A descriptive survey of interns and supervisors, as phase-two of an exploratory sequential mixed methods study. Questionnaires were developed from a descriptive exploratory qualitative study. Data were analysed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Results: Questionnaires were completed by 72 interns (response rate 21%) % ) and 36 supervisors (response rate 90%), % ), across 10 training programmes. Interns felt more independent (97.2%), % ), confident (90.3%) % ) and resilient (91.6%). % ). They learnt to manage undifferentiated and chronic conditions (91.6%), % ), to refer patients (94.3%) % ) and conduct procedures (77.8%). % ). Most interns were not exposed to community-based services (68.0%) % ) and continuity of care (54.1%). % ). Supervision was mostly adequate during the day (79.1%) % ) and afterhours (80.6%). % ). Many interns reported no structured teaching programme (41.7% % - 55.6%). % ). Most supervision was from medical officers and registrars. Supervisors saw interns as valuable members of the clinical team (100.0%), % ), who required extra support and administration (42.5%). % ). The majority of interns (75.0%) % ) and supervisors (72.7%) % ) thought the rotation was the right length and the best preparation for community service (67.6%). % ). Conclusion: The rotation met most expectations of the Health Professions Council of South Africa. Programmes need to improve exposure to community-orientated primary care, public health medicine, palliative and ongoing care. Supervision and orientation of interns needs improvement. Contribution: This is the first evaluation of the new family medicine internship programme in South Africa.