Exploring how a patient encounter tracking and learning tool is used within general practice training: a qualitative...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• General Practice Training

Background:

• Feedback and reflection are crucial for developing clinical competencies in Australian GP registrars.
• Patient encounter tracking and learning tools (PETALs) are utilized for auditing consultations and providing feedback.
• Limited qualitative research exists on the utility of PETALs in GP training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To understand the utilization of PETALs in GP training.
• To explore perceptions of the Registrars' Clinical Encounters in Training (ReCEnT) tool's utility.
• To provide insights into how PETALs can be optimized for learning.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study involving focus groups and interviews with medical educators, supervisors, and registrars.
• Utilized Registrars' Clinical Encounters in Training (ReCEnT) as a case study.
• Data analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Main Results:

• Eight themes identified regarding the use and potential of ReCEnT.
• ReCEnT reports aid in reassuring registrars, facilitating self-reflection, and identifying learning needs.
• Enablers for ReCEnT's potential include a reflective culture, supervisor discussions, and valuing objective data.

Conclusions:

• A Structure-Process-Outcomes model was developed to illustrate ReCEnT's current use and potential for learning.
• ReCEnT can be used for learning, not just of learning, within programmatic assessment.
• The longitudinal format of ReCEnT offers potential for enhanced learning throughout GP training.