The Hidden Workload Study protocol: a national mixed-methods analysis of general practice workload and local...

Area of Science:

• Primary Care Research
• Health Services Research
• Occupational Health

Background:

• General practice workload is rising, but current data only captures appointment numbers, neglecting crucial administrative and supervisory tasks.
• Existing National Health Service (NHS) data fails to quantify the full spectrum of general practice activities.
• The 'hidden' workload, encompassing non-appointment-based tasks, remains unmeasured and unaddressed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively examine the diverse tasks undertaken daily by general practice clinicians.
• To investigate variations in workload based on clinical roles and practice demographics.
• To explore the lived experiences of general practice workload through qualitative interviews.

Main Methods:

• Mixed-methods approach combining quantitative task recording and qualitative interviews.
• Utilizing the Primary Care Academic Collaborative network for participant recruitment across English general practices.
• Data collection via task logs and timers for a full day's activities, supplemented by practice demographic data and semi-structured interviews.

Main Results:

• Quantitative data will detail task distribution (clinical, administrative, supervisory, breaks) by clinician role and practice type.
• Qualitative data will provide in-depth insights into the subjective experience of workload.
• Analysis will identify key drivers of workload variation within general practice.

Conclusions:

• The Hidden Workload Study will offer a holistic view of contemporary general practice workload.
• Findings will illuminate factors contributing to workload disparities.
• Results will inform evidence-based service provision and strategic workforce planning in primary care.