"Quick wins" vs "eating the frog": Exploring general practitioners' prioritisation dilemmas.

Area of Science:

• General Practice
• Healthcare Management
• Qualitative Research

Background:

• Prioritization is a growing challenge in general practice, often learned through informal on-the-job training.
• Understanding how experienced general practitioners (GPs) manage their workload prioritization is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the factors influencing prioritization decisions for acute workloads among experienced GPs.
• To identify the challenges and strategies GPs employ when managing urgent patient needs.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study utilizing focus groups with GP educators in central Scotland.
• Convenience sampling targeted participants involved in supervising GP Registrars.
• Reflexive thematic analysis of focus group transcripts to identify prioritization dilemmas.

Main Results:

• Five key themes emerged regarding GP prioritization strategies.
• GPs adapt consultation styles based on demand and make efficient, time-managed decisions.
• Patient familiarity and clinical experience facilitate rapid decision-making but can introduce bias; therapeutic and collegial relationships are vital.
• Personal preferences, such as tackling simple or complex cases first, also play a role.

Conclusions:

• Prioritization is a critical skill in contemporary general practice.
• Adequate time and resources are essential for developing effective prioritization skills among healthcare professionals.