Management and recruitment of general practitioners with special interests: roles and responsibilities of primary care organisations

Abstract

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN IN THIS AREA

•	Special Interest posts are being developed to help meet targets for patient care.
•	Planning, is haphazard and varied.
•	Many issues are unaddressed.

WHAT THIS WORK ADDS

•	There is a dichotomy of interest between planning by primary care organizations, for example, in the setting of disciplines needed, and funding levels and sources.

SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE RESEARCH

•	Research is needed to demonstrate whether such posts fulfil expectations without adversely affecting healthcare in other areas.
•	Appraisal and continuing professional development issues need to be addressed at a national level.

Keywords:

• career development
• educational management
• general practice
• general practitioners

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Mark Coombe

Mark Coombe, FRCGP MFFP DRCOG, is the Education Lead for the Wessex Faculty, Royal College of General Practitioners

John Pitts

John Pitts, MSc(Med Ed) PhD MRCP FRCGP, is Associate Director in Educational Research, NHS (Severn and Wessex Deanery) and Honorary Research Fellow, University College, Winchester.