Evaluating five years of a BSc in Primary Care: a resource to increase sustainability

Problem

An intercalated BSc in Primary Care presents an opportunity to showcase the rich diversity within general practice and explore its theoretical underpinnings. It is also a potential resource to drive recruitment into the speciality: undergraduate educational experiences that increase exposure to, and appreciation of the many career opportunities within, general practice have been shown to increase recruitment [1-3]. Amidst growing concern surrounding recruitment and retention of the GP workforce [4] a range of strategies are needed to generate awareness and interest in academic Primary Care. Our evaluation aims to share our learning from five years’ experience of running the programme; and explore how a BSc can act as a resource to help support the sustainability of Primary Care.

Approach

Now in its fifth year, the BSc in Primary Care at King’s College London combines a general practice clinical experience with studying aspects of primary care in more depth. It aims to inspire doctors and health care leaders of the future and give an excellent generalist grounding to students planning a career in both general practice and other medical careers. We will present the results from our course evaluations through the lens of increasing the sustainability of Primary Care, considering how our course can impact on both healthy systems and healthy people. Evaluation results are drawn from student feedback; faculty reflections; analysis of student assignments including research projects, quality improvement and reflective writing; student scholarly achievements; and student-led content from the course.

Findings

Results are yet to be fully analysed but emerging themes are purposefully developed through the lens of the sustainability of Primary Care and include developing rich professional identities as academic, leader, and clinician; developing skills as an agent for change and innovation in areas such as climate sustainability, artificial intelligence, and coaching; and developing awareness of the necessary facets of a healthy system such as increasing inclusion, and reducing health inequality and workforce burnout.

Consequences

We will share our learning from five years’ experience of running the programme; and explore how a BSc in Primary Care can act as a resource to help support the sustainability of Primary Care by developing clinicians who are equipped for the challenges of future healthcare. References:1. Alberti, H., et al., Exposure of undergraduates to authentic GP teaching and subsequent entry to GP training: a quantitative study of UK medical schools. British Journal of General Practice, 2017. 67(657): p. e248. 2. Carlin, E., et al., Denigration of general practice as a career choice: The students’ perspective. A qualitative study. BJGP Open, 2021. 5(1)3. Wass, V., et al., By Choice not By Chance: Supporting medical students towards future careers in General Practice. 2016, Health Education England. 4. Marshall, M. and M. Ikpoh, The workforce crisis in general practice. British Journal of General Practice, 2022. 72(718): p. 204.