title: Views of newly-qualified GPs about their training and preparedness: lessons for extended generalist training.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  General practice is becoming increasingly complex due to an ageing population with multiple morbidities and the shift of services from secondary to primary care, yet GP training remains largely the same. Extended training is now recommended, initially proposed as a fourth GP specialty trainee year, but more recently as a broad-based 4-year specialty training programme.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To explore the views of newly-qualified GPs about their training and preparedness for specific aspects of the GP's role.
  
  
  METHODS
  Qualitative study with newly-qualified GPs who qualified with Severn Deanery between 2007 and 2010.
  
  
  METHODS
  Semi-structured interviews with 18 GPs between November 2011 and April 2012.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Gaining experience in a variety of primary care environments widens insight into patient populations as well as helping GPs develop adaptability and confidence, although this is not routinely part of GP training. However, alongside variety, having continuity with patients in practice remains important. Opportunities to be involved in the management of a practice or to take on substantial leadership roles also vary widely and this may limit preparedness and development of generalist skills.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Extended training could help prepare GPs for the current challenges of general practice. It could ensure all trainees are exposed to a greater variety of primary care settings including those outside GP practice, as well as experience of business, finance, and leadership roles. Collectively, these changes have the potential to produce GPs with both generalist and enhanced skills, who are better prepared to work collaboratively across the organisational boundaries between primary, secondary, and community care.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences, University of the West of England, Bristol.
authors.forename: Abigail
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sabey
authors.affiliation: Severn Postgraduate Medical Education, Health Education South West, Bristol.
authors.forename: Holly
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Hardy
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D058006:General Practice / Q000193:education / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D058005:General Practitioners / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D020380:Needs Assessment; D036301:Qualitative Research; D058996:Quality Improvement; D012917:Social Adjustment; D006113:United Kingdom
keywords: family practice; general practice; leadership; primary health care; qualitative; training
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