Doctors' retainer scheme in Scotland: time for change?

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• General Practice
• Healthcare Workforce Management

Background:

• The doctors' retainer scheme in Scotland aims to retain qualified medical professionals.
• Understanding the scheme's current status and member satisfaction is crucial for workforce planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the existing doctors' retainer scheme in Scotland.
• To identify areas for improvement and necessary changes within the scheme.

Main Methods:

• Semistructured postal questionnaires were distributed to current and former scheme members, as well as general practitioner employers.
• High response rates were achieved: 152/160 current members, 104/124 former members, and 101/118 employers participated.

Main Results:

• A significant majority of current members (93%) were vocationally trained or had prior principal experience, with 84% holding postgraduate qualifications.
• Many members left the scheme within four years (73% of former members), and a similar proportion of current members had been on the scheme for four years or less (72%).
• Dissatisfaction exists regarding the two-session weekly limit, with 77% of employers advocating for an increase. Pay inconsistencies were also noted, with 52% of members not receiving BMA rates.

Conclusions:

• The doctors' retainer scheme is generally appreciated but requires modifications to address pay and conditions.
• Increasing the weekly session limit is recommended to help highly qualified doctors maintain their skills and confidence.