Piloting a quality improvement (QI) project in final year general practice trainees: setting up and evaluating the...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Healthcare Quality Improvement
• General Practice Training

Background:

• Limited evidence exists on educational initiatives for quality improvement projects (QIP) among doctors.
• The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) proposed implementing QIP in the final year of training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the feasibility of implementing a QIP in the final year of General Practice (GP) training.
• To evaluate an educational intervention designed to support GP trainees in undertaking QIP.

Main Methods:

• An educational intervention was delivered to GP trainees six months before training completion.
• Intervention components included facilitated small group work, web resources, and structured trainee-trainer meetings.
• Project feasibility and trainee/trainer acceptance were evaluated via questionnaires, interviews, and focus groups.

Main Results:

• The educational intervention was found to be feasible and acceptable to GP trainees, trainers, and practices.
• GP trainees reported increased confidence in quality improvement methodologies and undertaking QIP.
• Trainees highly valued the experience and leadership skills gained in change management, viewing them as career advantages.

Conclusions:

• The educational intervention is a feasible and acceptable method for supporting GP trainees in quality improvement projects.
• The initiative enhances trainee confidence and provides valuable skills beneficial for future medical careers.
• Facilitated group meetings and practice-based support are key resources for successful QIP development.