'I'm definitely more confident now': a qualitative study exploring how GP trainees learn about dermatology

Despite a high frequency of presentations of skin disease in primary care, research has demonstrated a paucity of dermatology teaching in the medical school curriculum and a variable level of postgraduate dermatology teaching in general practice training. While it is clear that general practitioner (GP) trainees feel they would benefit from additional dermatology teaching, there is a gap in the literature regarding the factors that influence their learning.

The aim of this study was to identify and examine factors that influence the dermatology learning of GP trainees.

A qualitative study of GP trainees in their third and fourth year of their training scheme practising in Ireland was undertaken. Full ethical approval was obtained prior to commencement. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants via Microsoft Teams. Participants were sampled using a combination of purposive, convenience and snowball sampling. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed inductively by employing thematic analysis.

Fourteen GP trainees from five GP training schemes in Ireland participated in the study. Emergent themes identified factors that influence the dermatology learning of GP trainees in Ireland. These factors include experiential learning, competing demands, the clinical learning environment and mixed emotions towards dermatology. These influences mainly had a positive effect on the dermatology learning of trainees but certain competing demands such as time and incongruent teaching were felt to hinder their learning.

This study broadens our understanding of factors that influence the dermatology learning of GP trainees. Findings generated from this study may be utilized to improve the clinical learning environment and inform the dermatology curriculum of GP trainees.