Stress, personal and educational problems in vocational training. A prospective cohort study.
BACKGROUND
Australian general practitioners suffer from high levels of stress, but the incidence among GP registrars during vocational training is less well described.


METHODS
All 400 new Australian GP registrars in 1999 were invited to participate in the study. Consenting registrars completed an annual questionnaire and initial psychometric scales. Medical educators also provided information annually about known registrar problems.


RESULTS
Participating numbers were 213 (year 1), 226 (year 2), 203 (year 3), and 98 (year 4). More than half reported at least one problem in years 2, 3 and 4. Those reporting problems scored significantly higher on initial psychometric scales, and reported lower enthusiasm for training (p < 0.01). Problems reported included unsatisfactory work conditions, administrative concerns and issues with rural terms. These problems were often not detected by their training providers. Recommendations are presented to minimise the frequency and impact of training problems.


CONCLUSIONS
Registrars in vocational training for Australian general practice commonly experience problems. Structural changes in the provision of general practice training provide an opportune time to consider ways to ameliorate some of these problems.
Larkins
Sarah L
SL
Department of General Practice and Rural Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland.
Spillman
Margaret
M
Vanlint
John W
JW
Hays
Richard B
RB
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001315:Australia; D015331:Cohort Studies; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D003479:Curriculum; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate / Q000379:methods; D005178:Faculty; D005194:Family Practice / Q000193:education*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D011336:Probability; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D014829:Vocational Education