Abstract
BackgroundThe capacity of the UK GP workforce has not kept pace with increasing primary care workloads. Although many doctors successfully complete GP specialty training programmes, some do not progress to work in NHS general practice.AimThis article explores the training experiences and perceptions of newly qualified GPs to understand how their education, training, and early experiences of work influence their career plans.Design and settingA qualitative study of doctors in their final year of GP training (ST3) and within 5 years of completion of GP training (F5).MethodParticipants across England were recruited through training programmes, First5 groups, and publicity using social media and networks. Open narrative interviews were conducted with individuals and focus groups. Audiorecorded interviews were transcribed, and a thematic analysis was supported by NVivo and situational analysis mapping techniques.ResultsFifteen participants engaged in individual interviews and 10 focus groups were carried out with a total of 63 participants. Most doctors reported that training programmes had prepared them to deal confidently with most aspects of routine clinical GP work. However, they felt underprepared for the additional roles of running a practice and in their understanding of wider NHS organisational structures. Doctors wished to avoid unacceptably heavy workloads and voiced concerns about the longer-term sustainability of general practice.ConclusionStrategies to attract and retain enough GPs to support delivery of comprehensive primary care should consider how doctors’ early career experiences influence their career intentions. A coherent plan is needed to improve their preparation and increase confidence that they can achieve a professionally satisfying, effective, and sustainable career in NHS general practice.
Highlights
In the UK, it has become increasingly difficult for primary care providers to recruit sufficient GPs to keep pace with the growing demands of rising workloads.[1,2] In the context of a global shortfall of trained family doctors,[3,4] initiatives to improve recruitment have not been effective.[5]
The future UK GP workforce is significantly dependent on the recruitment and retention of approximately 3000 doctors who complete GP specialty training each year
This article discusses how insights from the training experiences of doctors emerging as new GPs could inform improvements in their training experiences and enhance successful transition from training to a full range of GP roles
Summary
In the UK, it has become increasingly difficult for primary care providers to recruit sufficient GPs to keep pace with the growing demands of rising workloads.[1,2] In the context of a global shortfall of trained family doctors,[3,4] initiatives to improve recruitment have not been effective.[5]. The future UK GP workforce is significantly dependent on the recruitment and retention of approximately 3000 doctors who complete GP specialty training each year. Training requirements and objectives Like other organisations that use training and development to achieve a workforce suited to their present and future needs,[10] GP training programmes aim to produce new GPs ready to join the GP workforce.[11] In addition, new GPs are officially required to engage with continuing professional development to adjust their professional practice in response to innovations in medical treatments and service models and modes of delivery.[12]. Many doctors successfully complete GP specialty training programmes, some do not progress to work in NHS general practice
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