A 'call for help' list for Australian general practice registrars.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• General Practice Training
• Clinical Supervision

Background:

• Australian general practice registrars must self-assess the need for clinical supervision during training.
• Determining when supervision is required is a critical skill for registrars.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify specific situations in early Australian general practice training that necessitate closer supervision.
• To explore methods for achieving enhanced supervision in these circumstances.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative research approach was employed.
• Data were collected from seven focus groups involving 75 participants, including registrars, supervisors, and medical educators in Victoria and Tasmania.

Main Results:

• Eighty distinct circumstances were identified where a general practice registrar should contact their supervisor.
• The 'call for help' list should be adaptable based on the registrar's prior experience and evolving readiness for independent practice.

Conclusions:

• A comprehensive 'call for help' list aids patient safety and strengthens the supervisor-registrar relationship.
• This list serves as a guide for registrars, encompassing a wide range of scenarios beyond high-risk situations.