General practice rotations for post graduate year 1 and 2 house officers--how feasible?

To study the needs and support requirements of general practitioners facilitating general practice rotations for post graduate year (PGY)1/PGY2 house officers at their surgeries.

This was a telephone survey of general practitioners (GPs) from different practices in Canterbury Province, New Zealand. A semi-structured interview format was used as this allowed questions and responses to be clarified and provided the opportunity for respondents to make additional comments.

Twenty GPs from 20 different practices were interviewed in the study. There was a 100% positive response to the concept of a house officer (HO) rotation in general practice. Perceived benefits included the opportunity for house officers to improve their understanding of primary healthcare and general practice, gain clinical skills less available in the hospital setting, as a way to promote general practice and to enhance communication at the primary-secondary interface. Fifteen (75%) thought that this rotation would be better suited to PGY2 or more experienced PGY1 graduates. Eighteen (90%) of GPs reported that costs to their practice must be covered for HO rotations. Seventeen (85%) of GPs reported that their practices did not currently have adequate consulting space to accommodate a HO.

GPs support HO rotations in general practice with perceived benefits for both HOs and general practice. PGY2 house officers were thought more suitable for GP rotations. Potential barriers to GP rotations include possible financial costs and capacity issues at the practice.