Supporting our GP Workforce Qualitative Study

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Project background: What and Why

GPs in remote, rural and island (RRI) areas can face unique challenges that can lead to high workloads, burnout, and increased intention to leave. Identifying and addressing their priorities is essential to ensure the sustainability of healthcare services, enhance patient care, and support the well-being of rural GPs.   

The Supporting our GP Workforce Qualitative Study aims to identify the key priorities of general practitioners (GPs) in RRI primary care, focusing on improving workload management, reducing the intention to leave, and ensuring protected time for long-term solutions. The core objective of this project is to evaluate the priorities identified by GPs to gain insight into the increasing challenges facing primary care.   

The specific objectives are:   

  • To identify the main factors contributing to workload challenges and job dissatisfaction among GPs in RRI areas. 
  • To develop strategies for improving workload management and ensuring adequate protected time for GPs. 
  • To propose long-term solutions aimed at reducing turnover rates and improving job satisfaction.  

Addressing these priorities is critical for maintaining sustainable healthcare services in these underserved regions. 

Project descriptions: Who and How

The study population will include a convenience sample of GPs working in a RRI general practice in Scotland and will be conducted using a cross-sectional research design with online survey and focus group discussion. Data will be collected from August to October 2024. Closed response questions will be analysed using descriptive statistics and content analysis will be undertaken on participants' qualitative responses to the open-ended items and focus group discussion. This will involve identifying response categories based on the study objectives. A rapid review of the exciting literature will also be conducted to identify relevant articles, studies, and reports.

Expected outcome:  When and What Difference

The Supporting our GP Workforce Qualitative Study started in July 2024 and will be completed in March 2025. The main output of the study will be a mixed-methods evaluation of the priorities identified by RRI GPs. The evidence can be used to inform strategic planning that addresses the priority areas, focusing on the immediate and long-term needs of the RRI GP workforce. The intention being that the goals and actions will help enable a sustained state of preventing and reducing unnecessary burden. The findings of the study will be written up for publication in a peer-reviewed journal and a brief report outlining the National Centre's recommendations for what should be tried next to support improved workload, the reason for intention to leave and long-term solutions to ensure protected time. The findings and recommendations will also be presented to relevant stakeholders.