Vol. 35, No. 1/2, January/February 2006
Characteristics of career advisors for general practice. A qualitative study of UK GPs
Andrew Thornett, FRACGP, FACRRM, FACPsychMed, is Senior Clinical Lecturer in Medical Education, Staffordshire University, and a general practitioner, Staffordshire, United Kingdom.
Judith Thorley, RNLD, RN, DipHENurs, is Senior Nurse/Modern Matron, Combined Health Care Trust, Staffordshire, United Kingdom.
Ruth Chambers, BMBS, FRCGP, DM, is Clinical Dean, Staffordshire University, and a general practitioner and Clinical Academic Lead, Stoke-on-Trent Teaching PCT Program, United Kingdom.
BACKGROUND Career support needs of general practitioners are poorly described in the literature.
METHOD Semi-structured interviews of 26 practising GPs from two United Kingdom counties.
RESULTS General practitioners believed they would benefit from the provision of career advice and guidance provided by trained peers. They were looking for advisors to whom they could relate and who understood their professional and personal needs, in particular: listening skills, life experience, credibility, protected time, ability to challenge, give careful consideration, trustworthiness, knowledge about GP careers, facilitation skills, and empathy.
DISCUSSION A strategy put in place in Australia might enable GPs to implement career plans.
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Characteristics of career advisors for general practice. A qualitative study of UK GPs (94Kb)
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