Higher professional education for general practitioners: postal questionnaire survey

Area of Science:

• General Practice
• Medical Education
• Professional Development

Background:

• There is ongoing debate regarding the necessity of higher professional education (HPE) for general practitioners (GPs) to complete their vocational training.
• This study addresses the lack of consensus on HPE requirements for GPs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate professional opinions on the necessity of HPE for general practitioners (GPs).
• To explore views on funding, duration, curriculum design, and eligibility for HPE, particularly for new principals (NPs).

Main Methods:

• A confidential postal questionnaire was distributed to a range of general practice professionals, including senior partners, GP registrars, new principals (NPs), GP trainers, and GP tutors.
• The survey targeted professionals in the South West region of England and academic GPs nationwide.

Main Results:

• A majority of responding GPs (79.2%) supported the principle of HPE for new principals (NPs), with stronger agreement from Royal College of General Practitioners members and academic GPs.
• Opinions varied on HPE duration (1-2 years favored by 50.3%), curriculum input (66.4% agreed NPs should have major input), and funding sources (health authorities and postgraduate deans suggested).
• Financial and time costs were identified as key barriers, while NP enthusiasm and an appropriate educational environment were facilitators. Most GPs (89.7%) would release NPs if the course was free and locums were paid.

Conclusions:

• Widespread support exists for HPE for new principals (NPs) if adequately externally funded, with most GPs willing to release NPs for training.
• The curriculum for HPE should be determined by NPs and existing GP teachers.
• The primary aim of HPE should be to support NPs during their transition from GP registrar to fully-trained GP principal.