The Foundation Programme in General Practice: The Value Added of the Attachment – A Wessex Experience

Abstract

The general practice (GP) educational arena offers a range of learning opportunities for junior doctors in the Foundation Programme (FP). In this study we explored what might be the value added of the experience in GP for current FP trainees in their second year of training (F2s) in Wessex. This is particularly important in view of the changes introduced by the new form of training which include a competence-based curriculum, new assessment forms, and shorter length of training than previously experienced by GP trainers in Wessex (four months). The aim of our study was therefore to explore what might be the contribution of the GP attachment to the formation of FP doctors in Wessex. We collected data from trainers and trainees on their perspectives of the GP attachment using two distinct qualitative questionnaires. We show that trainees in Wessex benefit from the experience in a variety of ways. Variations on the learning opportunities offered in GP may depend on the location of the practice, social environment, cases reviewed, teaching styles, perceptions on the new curriculum and assessment, and the general management of the practice.

Foundation doctors’ experience of their training: a questionnaire study

“…23 The exposure of FY doctors to primary care has also provided valuable learning opportunities. 24 These positive aspects of FY training undoubtedly deserve praise. The obvious failings of the selection process identified by our study are currently being addressed by the introduction of a situational judgment test (SJT) and an educational performance measure (EPM).…”

General practice tasters for foundation doctors

“…4 Evidence suggests that short periods of exposure to primary care can have an influence on subsequent career choice, for example through a 'taster week' . 5 Our experience highlights that contact with GP is helpful for foundation trainees who may be considering a career in primary care, 6 yet despite the current crisis in recruitment to GP, not all trainees get this opportunity. Currently, trainees may find themselves applying for GP specialty training just 3-4 months after completing Foundation Year 1 (FY1), either not having had postgraduate experience of GP because their rotation falls at the latter end of their second foundation year or with no GP attachment at all (for example in Wessex, only 55% of foundation trainees will have a GP attachment in FY2).…”

Impact of general practice / family medicine training on Japanese junior residents:a descriptive study

“…In the area of ‘Practice in Interprofessional Teams’, working with community professionals such as nurses, midwives, pharmacists, and hospital consultants provides an excellent educational environment 11) . In the area of ‘Medical Practice in the Context of Society’, home medical care is the starting point for understanding socio-economic factors related to holistic medicine and clinical conditions, and deepens the understanding of family medicine and community care 12) . GP/FM training also helps junior residents better understand the link between primary and secondary care, and learn the importance of continuity in patient care 3) .…”