Characteristics of career advisors for general practice--a qualitative study of UK GPs.
BACKGROUND
Career support needs of general practitioners are poorly described in the literature.


METHODS
Semi-structured interviews of 26 practising GPs from two United Kingdom counties.


RESULTS
General practitioners believed they would benefit from the provision of career advice and guidance provided by trained peers. They were looking for advisors to whom they could relate and who understood their professional and personal needs, in particular: listening skills, life experience, credibility, protected time, ability to challenge, give careful consideration, trustworthiness, knowledge about GP careers, facilitation skills, and empathy.


CONCLUSIONS
A strategy put in place in Australia might enable GPs to implement career plans.
Thornett
Andrew
A
Staffordshire University. UK. andrew@thornett.net
Thorley
Judith
J
Chambers
Ruth
R
D000328:Adult; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010379:Peer Group; D010821:Physicians, Family / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012944:Social Support; D006113:United Kingdom; D014830:Vocational Guidance