Perceptions of ad hoc supervision encounters in general practice training: A qualitative interview-based study

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• General Practice Training
• Supervisory Learning

Background:

• Ad hoc supervision encounters occur informally between general practitioner (GP) supervisors and registrars outside scheduled sessions.
• These encounters are anecdotally considered crucial learning opportunities but are under-researched.
• This study investigates the perceptions of these informal supervisory interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the perceptions of general practice supervisors, registrars, and practice managers regarding ad hoc supervisory encounters.
• To understand the role and value of these informal learning events in GP training.

Main Methods:

• Conducted semi-structured interviews with purposively sampled participants (supervisors, registrars, practice managers).
• Utilized template analysis for data interpretation from regional general practice settings.

Main Results:

• Fifteen participants shared their views on ad hoc encounters.
• Key themes identified included immediacy, safety, educational value, professional identity development, and supervisor stress.
• Perceptions highlighted the practical utility of these encounters.

Conclusions:

• Ad hoc encounters are highly valued in general practice registrar training, significantly supporting patient safety and registrar education.
• These encounters fulfill diverse practical roles for all stakeholders involved.
• Further investigation is warranted to maximize the benefits of ad hoc encounters in general practice training.