Abstract:

Aim
Pacific Island country (PIC) based doctors have been studying in the New Zealand distance-taught Otago University Rural Postgraduate programme (RPGP) since 2014. The aim of this study was to gain understanding of the experience of these students and their teachers at Otago with focus on strengthening academic support.

Methods:
The study involved a Situational Analysis (document review and interviews) and a scoping of current Otago student support. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with PIC students (n 8) and Otago PGRP faculty (n 9).Thematic analysis of the interviews was undertaken using the Framework method. The data sources were analysed separately followed by a process of convergence and corroboration of findings.

Results:
For Pacific Island countries with no previous option for vocational General Practice training, access to a recognised NZ academic training programme represented a milestone.
Immediate clinical relevance and applicability of a generalist medical programme with rural remote emphasis, delivered mainly at a distance, was identified as a major strength. While technologies posed some issues these were general easily solved.
The main challenges related to the Pacific-Island based and distance-education nature of this group of students who cross educational paedagogies, health systems and national borders to study at Otago. Traditional Otago support services and resources are campus focused and were not always easily accessed.
Study for individuals worked best when it was part of a recognised supported Pacific in-country training pathway.

Conclusion:
The Otago rural postgraduate programme is accessible, relevant and achievable for Pacific Island based doctors. The programme offers a partial solution for training in general medical practice for the Pacific region. Student experience could be improved by strengthening Otago support services and resources and ensuring their delivery to where the students are based.

Keywords:

Rural remote medicine, postgraduate medical training, Pacific Island nations, distance education.