How do General Practice trainees experience the transition from hospital to General Practice: a qualitative study
Loading...
Date
2025-07-07
Authors
O’Neill, Alice
Dhalaigh, Fódhla Ní
Foley, Tony
Daly, Orna
Martin, Michelle
McHugh, Helen
Jennings, Aisling A.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Taylor and Francis Ltd.
Published Version
Abstract
Background: Specialist training in General Practice (GP) incorporates hospital and community-based training. The transition from hospital to General Practice can be a challenging experience. A negative experience of this transition has been shown to impact the trainee’s desire to remain in General Practice. Aim: The aim of this study was to explore GP Trainees’ experiences of moving from hospital medicine to General Practice in Ireland. Methods: This qualitative study involved an initial focus group with GP trainees. The results of this focus group informed the development of a topic guide for subsequent one-to-one semi-structured interviews with General Practice Trainees from thirteen General Practice Training Schemes nationally. Interviews were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: 15 interviews were undertaken. The main themes identified were: 1) Finding your way - the trainer as a navigator 2) Running your own ship–developing autonomy and 3) Balancing the competing demands of General Practice. The evolving role of the trainer in supporting the transition was highlighted, as was the GP trainers’ role in navigating clinical uncertainty and in shaping the participants’ professional identities. The nuances of challenges such as time pressure and increased clinical responsibility were identified. These challenges were exacerbated by the pressure of clinical decision-making and a lack of confidence in applying this judgement in the community setting. Conclusion: The results of this study can be used to inform the development of improved structures to support GP trainees in their transition from hospital to community-based practice.
Description
Keywords
General practice , Medical education , Postgraduate medical training , Professional transition , Qualitative study
Citation
O’Neill, A., Dhalaigh, F. N., Foley, T., Daly, O., Martin, M., McHugh, H. and Jennings, A. A. (2025) 'How do General Practice trainees experience the transition from hospital to General Practice: a qualitative study', Education for Primary Care, pp.1-11. https://doi.org/10.1080/14739879.2025.2515927