The development of self-efficacy beliefs during general practice vocational training: An exploratory study

Abstract

Introduction: Retention of general practitioners (GPs) is crucial to ensure appropriate primary care. However, some recently qualified GPs feel unprepared for practice, which may lead them to leave the profession or restrict their scope of practice. The development of self-efficacy beliefs during vocational training may be an important factor in this phenomenon.

Methods: Five focus groups with a total of 28 GP trainees and recent graduates were conducted in Belgium and France. Initial analysis using the immersion-crystallisation method was followed by analysis using Bandura's self-efficacy framework.

Results: Participants described beginning their training with low self-efficacy beliefs. Most participants described how they overcame stressful situations. Some, however, seemed to be developing avoidance strategies. Successfully resolving patient problems, sharing experiences with peers and receiving positive feedback from supervisors, colleagues and patients were conducive to the development of positive self-efficacy beliefs.

Discussion: Although low self-efficacy beliefs are natural at the beginning of training, participants seemed to develop in two ways, either overcoming their fears or avoiding them. Identifying the pattern of trainees’ responses to allow tailoring of interventions should be investigated by those who run training programs. Interventions could include reassurance, peer interaction and an appropriate degree of autonomy.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Valérie Dory

VALERIE DORY is a PhD-student at the Université catholique de Louvain in Belgium. She was still a GP trainee at the time the study was conducted. She now works part-time as a GP in childhood preventive services.

Marie-Dominique Beaulieu

MARIE-DOMINIQUE BEAULIEU is professor of Family Medicine at the Université de Montréal in Canada. She is the director of the Sadok Besrour chair in Family Medicine. She works as a family doctor in Canada.

Dominique Pestiaux

DOMINIQUE PESTIAUX is the head of the General Practice centre at the Université catholique de Louvain. He works as a GP in Belgium.

Denis Pouchain

DENIS POUCHAIN is professor of General Practice at the Université de Paris-Ouest in France. He works as a GP in France and is a researcher.

Bernard Gay

BERNARD GAY is professor of General Practice at the Université de Bordeaux, Victor Segalen in France. He works as a GP in France.

Guy Rocher

GUY ROCHER is professor of Sociology at the Université de Montréal in Canada. His main subject of interest is the sociology of professions.

Laurier Boucher

LAURIER BOUCHER is a social worker in Canada. His interests include inter-professional collaboration.