An evaluation of training in family health for medical students and internes in Sri Lanka.

The results of an evaluation of an integrated training programme in family health for medical students and intern medical officers in Sri Lanka are presented. The course objectives were translated into expected student competences in specific tasks and the responses of the internes obtained using a semi-structured questionnaire. While the course had reinforced the students' awareness and commitment on the need for actively promoting family health it had not provided the expected competences in many tasks to the level of confidence that was anticipated. A number of deficiencies in the training programme in medical school as well as during the medical internship become evident and these have been discussed with the respective authorities with a view to effecting satisfactory improvements.