Third of GP trainees do not intend to work in NHS

A new University of Warwick study has revealed that only two in three doctors currently completing their GP training plan to work in NHS general practice upon qualifying.

Factors influencing career intentions on completion of general practice vocational training in England: a cross-sectional study, published in the BMJ Open, asked more than 170 GP trainees in the West Midlands area and within three months of achieving their CCT, about their leaving intentions.

It found that 63 per cent expected to be working in general practice within six months of qualifying, halving to 34 per cent at five years.

GP workload and a poor work/life balance, as well as practice morale political commentary, were highlighted as factors influencing respondents career plans.

Professor Jeremy Dale, who led the study, commented: “The study highlighted a number of potentially modifiable factors related to GP training programs that are detrimentally influencing the career plans of newly trained GPs. Many of these relate to how general practice had been experienced across undergraduate, foundation and vocational training, and in particular perceptions about workload pressure and morale within practice placements.

“The negative portrayal of general practice by politicians and the media was experienced as having had a detrimental effect on personal career intentions. Also sociodemographic factors, such as age, gender, and having children, influenced career plans indicating a need for these to be considered within workforce planning. A sizeable proportion of individuals did not describe their future career plans, perhaps expressing ambiguity about career direction.”

Helen Stokes-Lampard, chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners, said: “Unfortunately, these findings are a clear indication that trainees are being put off from a career in general practice because they are seeing first-hand the intense resource and workload pressures GPs and our teams are facing across the country.

“Workload in general practice has risen 16 per cent over the last seven years, but resources for our profession has declined, and our workforce has not risen at pace. It’s a massive shame because if properly resourced – with adequate investment and workforce – being a GP can be the best job in the world, with lots of variety and numerous career opportunities.”