The development of self-efficacy beliefs during general practice vocational training: an exploratory study.
BACKGROUND
Retention of general practitioners (GPs) is crucial to ensure appropriate primary care. However, some recently qualified GPs feel unprepared for practice, which may lead them to leave the profession or restrict their scope of practice. The development of self-efficacy beliefs during vocational training may be an important factor in this phenomenon.


METHODS
Five focus groups with a total of 28 GP trainees and recent graduates were conducted in Belgium and France. Initial analysis using the immersion-crystallisation method was followed by analysis using Bandura's self-efficacy framework.


RESULTS
Participants described beginning their training with low self-efficacy beliefs. Most participants described how they overcame stressful situations. Some, however, seemed to be developing avoidance strategies. Successfully resolving patient problems, sharing experiences with peers and receiving positive feedback from supervisors, colleagues and patients were conducive to the development of positive self-efficacy beliefs.


CONCLUSIONS
Although low self-efficacy beliefs are natural at the beginning of training, participants seemed to develop in two ways, either overcoming their fears or avoiding them. Identifying the pattern of trainees' responses to allow tailoring of interventions should be investigated by those who run training programs. Interventions could include reassurance, peer interaction and an appropriate degree of autonomy.
Dory
Valérie
V
Centre Académique de Médecine Générale, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium. valerie.dory@uclouvain.be
Beaulieu
Marie-Dominique
MD
Pestiaux
Dominique
D
Pouchain
Denis
D
Gay
Bernard
B
Rocher
Guy
G
Boucher
Laurier
L
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002055:Burnout, Professional / Q000517:prevention & control; D002321:Career Choice; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards; D005194:Family Practice / Q000193:education*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D005602:France; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010821:Physicians, Family / Q000193:education*; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D016730:Program Development / Q000379:methods*; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012931:Social Environment