The importance of a general practice placement in postgraduate training - a qualitative study in Finland

Matti Nissilä, Elina Tolvanen, Emmi Lautamatti, Tuomas Koskela

Background:

In Finland, 9 months of general practice training is included in all postgraduate medical training programmes. Based on previous research in Denmark, trainees consider general practice placement to be an important part of their postgraduate training. We have limited knowledge of experiences in Finland.

Research questions:

Our aim was to understand how junior doctors perceived their experience and how their career plans changed during their placement in general practice. We are also interested in their views on the role of primary health care in the health system.

Method:

We designed a semi-structured focus group interview to which we invited doctors in training at the end of their placements in general practice. Four groups of 3-4 trainees were interviewed at the end of 2024. The group interviews were audio recorded and transcribed. To analyse the data, we will conduct an inductive thematic analysis.

Results:

A total of 14 trainees were interviewed. The median work experience of the trainees was 7.5 months in general practice (6-14 months). Preliminary results from an ongoing analysis suggest that in general practice the trainees learn the skills taught in medical school in a more practical way. The trainees say they have gained a better understanding of patient-centred care. Many of them state that the training period has helped them to clarify their career plans and better understand the importance of primary health care and the work of a GP. The results of the thematic analysis will be presented at the conference.

Conclusions:

Preliminary results indicate that postgraduate training in general practice is a period of intensive learning. It helps to understand the role of general practice and may help to clarify one’s career plans. We conclude that general practice training is an important part of any postgraduate training.

Points for discussion:

What is the role of general practice in the training of postgraduate doctors in other countries?

What are the experiences of postgraduate training in general practice in other countries?

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