Would GP trainees benefit from a specific GP return to training course in Wessex and Thames Valley?

Problem

The Supported return to training (SuppoRTT) programme aims to help trainees, across all specialties to safely and confidently return to work after a period of absence from training for any reason. GP trainees are in a unique position compared to other trainees, returning to both GP surgeries as well as hospital posts, and can often find themselves isolated from peers. This has been exacerbated and highlighted during the pandemic. Through our own experiences and speaking with key educators in the deanery, we identified that a GP specific return to training course may be of benefit to those taking time out of training. We therefore used qualitative and quantitative research methods to gather opinions of current GP trainees, develop a specific interactive return to work course and evaluated this as a tool for improving confidence on return to work.

Approach

We surveyed all current trainees in Wessex about their experiences of time out of training and conducted two small focus groups virtually. Further ideas for the course were generated through focus groups with trainees to identify their ideas and needs for a specific GP training course.

We piloted a course in December 2021 for trainees who returned to training between September 2021 and February 2022. We achieved feedback from all attendees of the course through a written feedback form following the course.

A further course will be undertaken in March 2022 building on the feedback from the pilot course. For this course we will quantitatively and qualitatively evaluate the trainee’s experience of the course, by providing pre and post course questionnaires to complete, focusing particularly on trainee’s confidence and preparedness on return to work.

Findings

Following the survey of the pilot course, 100% of trainees felt more confident to return to work having attended the course and all said that they would recommend it to their peers. All trainees opted to join the WhatsApp group that was set up to promote peer support following the course.

Further data to evaluate the March 2022 course will be available to present after this time.

Consequences

A course aimed specifically at those returning to GP training after a period of absence helps build confidence on return and provides ongoing opportunity to connect with peers following that, in the longer-term aiding retention within the GP training programme and beyond.