Do fellowships for newly qualified GPs improve retention? Evaluation of London’s SPIN New to Practice Fellowships

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background We explored whether having a variety of work roles and extra support during the first 2 years after qualifying would retain general practitioners (GPs) in London. Newly qualified GPs were offered a Fellowship comprising permanent salaried positions, part-time (portfolio) roles outside general practice and peer support for 1–2 years. Methods We surveyed newly qualified GPs taking part in the Fellowship near the beginning of their Fellowship (91) and again after 8–10 months (93). We interviewed 34 newly qualified GPs taking part in the Fellowship and 20 who were not. We surveyed and interviewed representatives from employing practices (171), organisations hosting portfolio roles (20), those facilitating the Fellowship (10) and other stakeholders (43). Findings Over a 2.5-year period, employers recruited and retained 425 newly qualified GPs to salaried posts using the Fellowship. Eighty-eight per cent of the newly qualified GPs taking part said they intended to stay working in local practices. They said that undertaking a portfolio role helped them feel valued, had more variety and integration with the wider professional community. Those with two or more portfolio sessions per week were the most positive. Conclusions Portfolio roles and peer support may increase newly qualified GPs intention to stay working in salaried posts, however it is too early to say whether these intentions will translate into behaviour. What this evaluation adds to current knowledge Portfolio roles and monthly peer support helped newly qualified GPs feel supported and valued, which may influence their intention to stay working in general practice locally.