Why do general practitioners from France choose to work in London practices? A qualitative study

Growing concerns about the ability to maintain and increase the general practitioner (GP) workforce has led to active recruitment of GPs from overseas. However, little is known about why these GPs choose to leave their countries and come to work in London.

To investigate the motivations and expectations of French GPs migrating to work in general practices in London.

A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews.

General practice induction programme in southeast London.

Individual interviews with 31 French GPs, who attended an induction programme for international recruits, were taped, transcribed, and analysed using a categorical approach.

Three factors led to the process of migration: instigating factors, creating the stimulus for migration; activating factors, based on the perception that English general practice offered greater opportunities; and facilitating factors, which make migration possible. Particular emphasis was placed on personal and professional instigating factors, with a desire for new cultural experiences and a widespread discontent surrounding the infrastructure of French general practice, playing crucial roles in the stimulus to migrate. Ease of travel and a paid induction programme facilitated the move to their chosen destination.

French GPs' decisions were part of a process of migration influenced by a series of integrated factors. Consideration of these factors will not only enhance recruitment to English general practice, but will also facilitate foreign GPs' transition to work in the National Health Service (NHS) and, ultimately, maximise their retention.