Role modelling to support careers in general practice: a realist review protocol

Area of Science:

• Medical Education Research
• Career Development in Medicine
• General Practice Training

Background:

• Role models during medical school profoundly impact career decisions, particularly for general practice.
• Burnout among general practice educators may negatively affect their influence on students and specialty recruitment.
• Positive role modeling is crucial for attracting and retaining future doctors in general practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the mechanisms, contexts, and beneficiaries of effective role modeling in undergraduate general practice education.
• To understand how role models influence medical students' choices regarding general practice careers.
• To identify factors that support or deter students from pursuing general practice.

Main Methods:

• A realist review methodology, following Pawson's five steps, will be employed.
• Literature published between 2013 and 2024 will be systematically searched and selected.
• An initial program theory will be developed with stakeholder input, including medical students and general practitioners.

Main Results:

• The review will refine the initial program theory by identifying key contexts, mechanisms, and outcomes.
• Evidence will be synthesized to understand the nuances of role modeling's impact on career choice.
• Data extraction will focus on studies linking general practice role models to undergraduate career decisions.

Conclusions:

• Findings will inform recommendations and interventions to enhance positive role modeling experiences.
• The study aims to improve recruitment strategies for the general practice specialty.
• Understanding the 'how, why, and for whom' of role modeling is essential for shaping the future general practice workforce.