General practice registrar perceptions on training medical students.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• General Practice Training
• Workforce Development

Background:

• Increasing numbers of medical learners strain general practice teaching capacity in Australia.
• Vertical integration, involving registrars, is a proposed solution to enhance teaching capacity.
• The Northern Territory faces challenges in general practice education due to learner demand.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore general practice registrars' perceptions of supervising medical students.
• To identify facilitators and barriers to registrar involvement in teaching.
• To inform strategies for improving medical education in Australian general practice.

Main Methods:

• Semi-structured interviews were conducted with registrars and supervisors.
• The study focused on participants in the Northern Territory.
• Qualitative data were analyzed to understand experiences and perspectives.

Main Results:

• Registrars reported increased thoroughness and professional credibility when teaching students.
• Benefits included improved patient care and enhanced registrar learning.
• Barriers included time constraints, reduced patient numbers, income reduction, and lack of physical space.

Conclusions:

• Registrars are motivated to contribute to the medical education workforce.
• Training in supervision and enhanced consulting skills are needed.
• Improved access to consulting rooms and alternative employment models can support registrar teaching.