Journal de médecine générale

What are the Career Plans of GP Trainees and Newly Qualified General Practitioners in the UK? A National Online Survey

Abstract

Khansa Mazhar, Ahmed Rashid, Alpesh Patel

Aim: To conduct a national survey for the First5 GPs and GP trainees to see what their future career plans are, and their views on the current issues in general practice, on a background of significant workforce problems in general practice. Method: Survey monkey was used to create an online survey that was distributed with the help of RCGP in their AiT bulletin and through their social media accounts. The links were also posted on several GP Facebook groups, Twitter and LinkedIn accounts. The survey ran between 5th of October and the 31st of October 2015. Results: 322 and 249 responses were received from First5 GPs and GP trainees respectively, just over 60% of First5 GPs and 68% of GP trainees are either definitely or possibly considering a move abroad where they feel there is a better outlook for general practice. The most popular destinations were Australia, Canada and New Zealand, a significant proportion are not considering a return to the UK. The main reasons given for early retirement were workload, job related stress, current government health care policies, working long hours, administrative work, high patient demand and risk of litigation. A majority of First5 GPs and GP trainees do not feel 7 day access to general practice is a good idea, they think the future of general practice in the UK is looking bleak and that the NHS is heading towards privatization, which the majority are against. Only about 18% of trainees would still apply for GPVTS even if 7 day GP access working was in place, 34% would consider other careers and 47% would not recommend general practice to juniors. Conclusion: Government policies, patient demands, unsustainable workload and low morale are contributing to GP trainees and newly qualified GPs in significant numbers thinking about leaving the UK general practice permanently, and changing career or retiring early. They are also less likely to recommend a career in general practice. There may need to be an urgent revie