Abstract
BackgroundThere are ambitious overseas recruitment targets to alleviate current GP shortages in the UK. GP training in European Economic Area (EEA) countries is recognised by the General Medical Council (GMC) as equivalent UK training; non-EEA GPs must obtain a Certificate of Eligibility for General Practice Registration (CEGPR), demonstrating equivalence to UK-trained GPs. The CEGPR may be a barrier to recruiting GPs from non-EEA countries. It is important to facilitate the most streamlined route into UK general practice while maintaining registration standards and patient safety.AimTo apply a previously published mapping methodology to four non-EEA countries: South Africa, US, Canada, and New Zealand.Design & settingDesk-based research was undertaken. This was supplemented with stakeholder interviews.MethodThe method consisted of: (1) a rapid review of 13 non-EEA countries using a structured mapping framework, and publicly available website content and country-based informant interviews; (2) mapping of five ‘domains’ of comparison between four overseas countries and the UK (healthcare context, training pathway, curriculum, assessment, and continuing professional development (CPD) and revalidation). Mapping of the domains involved desk-based research. A red, amber, or green (RAG) rating was applied to indicate the degree of alignment with the UK.ResultsAll four countries were rated ‘green’. Areas of differences that should be considered by regulatory authorities when designing streamlined CEGPR processes for these countries include: healthcare context (South Africa and US), CPD and revalidation (US, Canada, and South Africa), and assessments (New Zealand).ConclusionMapping these four non-EEA countries to the UK provides evidence of utility of the systematic method for comparing GP training between countries, and may support the UK’s ambitions to recruit more GPs to alleviate UK GP workforce pressures.
Highlights
As in many western healthcare settings, the UK is currently experiencing a shortage of GPs.[1]
This portfolio of evidence is assessed by the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) before a final decision on eligibility is made by the General Medical Council (GMC).[8]
The screening framework included questions concerning: (1) the existence of information about the healthcare context and GP training; (2) practical information; and (3) current GP workforce context
Summary
As in many western healthcare settings, the UK is currently experiencing a shortage of GPs.[1]. Doctors from non-EEA countries apply to join the UK GP register by obtaining a CEGPR.[7] The CEGPR application process involves an initial assessment by the GMC, the GP providing substantial documentary evidence of their training, qualifications, and experience. This portfolio of evidence is assessed by the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) before a final decision on eligibility is made by the GMC.[8]. Conclusion: Mapping these four non-E EA countries to the UK provides evidence of utility of the systematic method for comparing GP training between countries, and may support the UK’s ambitions to recruit more GPs to alleviate UK GP workforce pressures
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