Problems managed by Australian general practice trainees: results from the ReCEnT (RegistrarClinicalEncounters inTraining) study

Abstract

Trainees gain reasonably broad exposure overall in terms of patient demographics and problems managed. In comparison to established GPs, trainees managed the same mean number of problems, but the nature of problems managed was different, with more new patients, more new problems and less chronic disease. Our findings have significant implications for GP training in Australia.

General practice trainees’ clinical experience of dermatology indicates a need for improved education: A cross‐sectional analysis from the Registrar Clinical Encounters in Training Study

“…We have previously established that skin is the third most common ICPC‐2 chapter managed by Australian GP trainees (after respiratory, and general and unspecified diseases). This compares with skin being the fourth most common ICPC‐2 chapter managed by established Australian GPs, (following respiratory, general and unspecified and musculoskeletal conditions) .…”

“…The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners expects the patient mix and clinical experiences of vocational trainees to be similar to that of established independent GPs . A very basic overview of the problems managed by Australian GP trainees, including the prevalence of skin conditions, can be found in the existing literature . However, the content and associations of GP trainees’ consultations involving skin disease are not well documented.…”

Preparation for general practice vocational training: time for a rethink

“…At present, undergraduate medical students are tested more on specific competencies and less on their ability to synthesise information to make clinical decisions. The illness scripts that juniors develop are for a very different spectrum of illness 5 than seen by GP registrars, 6 increasing the potential for diagnostic and management errors 7 as the lower likelihood of serious disease reduces the predictive value of diagnostic tests.…”

How we use patient encounter data for reflective learning in family medicine training

“…The ReCEnT study data provides valuable information for overall training program evaluation and quality improvement. Aggregate cohort data can be used to determine curriculum coverage and systematic clinical exposure gaps (Morgan et al 2014). This information can support better articulation of RTP educational workshops with practice exposure.…”