Abstract
BackgroundThere is a decline in the relative numbers of general practitioners in Germany. Earlier research showed that the professional relationship between general practitioners and specialists is overshadowed by conflicts which could influence medical students not to choose a career in general practice. The aim of the study is to analyse potential discrepancies between general practitioners' self-perception of their professional role and their social self-image in relation to medical specialists and to identify potential barriers that might prevent medical students from becoming a general practitioner.MethodsA qualitative study design consisting of 16 interviews with general practitioners was chosen. Data analysis was carried out using the qualitative content analysis by Philipp Mayring.ResultsThere is a discrepancy between general practitioners' professional self-perception and how they perceive they are viewed by specialists. General practitioners communicate a positive self-perception of their professional role. While general practitioners think that specialists in outpatient care have a positive view on general practice, it is assessed to be negative by specialists working in hospitals and as medical teachers.ConclusionThe negatively influenced social self-image may originate particularly from "badmouthing" general practitioners at universities and in hospitals. "Badmouthing" demonstrates the importance of the consideration of psychological aspects in medical teachers and hospital specialists acting as role models. Negative comments should be considered as an important factor in influencing medical students and trainees' career choices. These aspects should be more integrated in future medical education curricula.
Highlights
There is a decline in the relative numbers of general practitioners in Germany
The interviews were based on the following questions: How do you think medical specialists perceive you as a general practitioners (GPs)? Do you agree with this perception of specialists? How would you describe yourself in your role as a GP? The aims of the study were explained to each interviewee
Impression (GPs’ social self-image) Following sub categories were defined for the main category “Impression”: The interviews showed a difference in GPs’ views of how they are viewed by specialists who work in outpatient care, hospital specialists and medical teachers: GPs suggested that specialists who work in a hospital setting or in universities have a predominantly negative view of GPs whereas specialists who work in outpatient settings have a positive view of GPs
Summary
Earlier research showed that the professional relationship between general practitioners and specialists is overshadowed by conflicts which could influence medical students not to choose a career in general practice. It is projected that the number of GPs in Germany will decline up to 2020, while demands on primary care will rise due to an aging population [1] This trend towards a shortfall of GPs is reinforced by the fact that the number of medical students, specialising in general practice, is declining. Due to problems in recruiting medical students and trainees for general practice in various countries, several studies have already analysed the work satisfaction level of GPs [8,9] and their image [10]. The social self-image, which describes individual’ assessment of how others see them In this context, it focuses on GPs’ perceptions of how they are viewed by medical specialists
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