The GP retainer scheme: report of a national survey

Abstract

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN IN THIS AREA

•	There is a small existing literature on the GP retainer scheme.
•	Some of the published studies have been rendered out of date by changes which have been made to the scheme since its inception in 1972.
•	Existing studies are supportive of the scheme whilst finding inconsistencies in provision of training and limitations due to the restriction to five years.
•	Previous studies rely on data from a single deanery (Webb,1,2 Muller,3 Hastie,4 Woodwark et al,5 Taylor,6 Smith et al7) or two neighbouring deaneries (O'Kelly8).

WHAT THIS WORK ADDS

•	This unique national survey of the views and experiences of GP retainers is of particular interest to policy makers and clinical educators.
•	The current context of organisational change and new working patterns, together with the high cost of medical training, have increased the importance to the NHS of retaining its trained workforce.
•	The study shows the value of the retainer scheme in ensuring GPs retain and build skills and are not lost to the workforce, and points to limitations in implementation.

SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE WORK

•	Research following subsequent career pathways over an extended period and research capturing the perspectives of practices employing GP retainers are both recommended.

Keywords:

• clinical support
• general practice
• retainer scheme
• retention
• skill development