Integrated general practitioner training pathways: Components, barriers and enablers

Area of Science:

• General Practice
• Medical Education
• Health Workforce Research

Background:

• General Practitioners (GPs) require specialized postgraduate training.
• Training pathways must align with local health needs and environments.
• Effective GP training is vital for recruitment and retention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review of integrated general practitioner (GP) training pathways.
• To identify components, barriers, and enablers of effective GP training.
• To inform the development of improved GP training in Australia.

Main Methods:

• Scoping review guided by Arksey and O'Malley framework.
• PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews Checklist used for reporting.
• Thematic analysis of 27 articles published between 2013 and March 2024 from MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Scopus.

Main Results:

• Six key themes emerged: place-based training, trainee background/connections, support structures, professional identity, trainee demographics, and family factors.
• These themes highlight critical elements influencing GP training pathway effectiveness.
• Identified barriers and enablers provide insights into pathway optimization.

Conclusions:

• The findings will guide the development and evaluation of enhanced integrated GP training pathways.
• Understanding these factors is essential for improving GP recruitment and retention strategies.
• This research supports tailored postgraduate training for GPs in Australia.