Is small-group education the key to retention of sessional GPs?

Abstract

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN IN THIS AREA

•	Recruitment and retention et general practitioners (GPs) are topical issues in the modern NHS.
•	There is/a link between reduced stress/burnout in GPs and continuing medical education.
•	Sessional GPs are known to suffer from isolation and difficulty accessing educational support.
•	One previous study of retention of sessional GPs cites three key factors: a secure contract, mentoring support and a stimulating work environment with a culture of personal and professional development.

WHAT THIS WORK ADDS

•	A primary care trust (PCT)-funded, peer-facilitated educational support group can be a key instrument in the recruitment and retention of sessional GPs, in particular by providing a network of supportive colleagues and help keeping up to date.
•	This is the first study examining this factor in the retention of sessional GPs.
•	Other modifiable factors influencing recruitment include type of post and contract.
•	Other modifiable factor influencing retention include financial factors.

SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE RESEARCH

•	Calculation of retention rates of sessional GPs in PCTs (work in progress) will allow further studies assessing the-impact, including cost-benefit ratio, of interventions relating to specific factors influencing retention.
•	The association between educational support and retention should be studied for: other members of the primary care team, health professionals outside general practice and healthcare systems outside the NHS and the UK.

Keywords:

• career development
• general practice non-principals
• sessional GPs
• small-group learning

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Cath M Jenson

Cath M Jenson, MA MBBS DRCOG DCH MRCGP, is London Deanery tutor with SE sector responsibilities for Sessional GPs and a Flexible Career Scheme GP

Alison J Hutchins

Alison J Hutchins MSc MA MMus PGCE AKC, is Educational Research Assistant, Department of Community Health Sciences, St George's Hospital Medical School, London

Gill Rowlands

Gill Rowlands, MRCGP FRCP MD, is Director of STaRNet London, Honorary Senior Lecturer in the Department of Community Health Sciences, St George's Hospital Medical School, London, and GP principal.