What motivates general practitioners of the future: qualitative study of Irish trainees

Background There is a worldwide shortage of general practitioners (GPs). The aim of this study is to explore the perspectives of GP trainees and to understand their motivators and career priorities to inform future GP workforce planning.

Methods A qualitative study, consisting of one-to-one, semi-structured interviews was conducted with GP trainee participants and data were analysed thematically. Every GP trainee currently enrolled in vocational training nationally was invited to participate. ‘Social Cognitive Career Theory’ and ‘Sociocultural Theory’ were used as theoretical frameworks to inform the interview guide and its analysis.

Results Seventeen GP trainees were interviewed. One meta-theme was identified from interviews: ‘Sustainable work as part of a fulfilling life’. This meta-theme of sustainability threads through each of the five related subthemes: Family, stability and support, burnout aversion, role-modelling, and well supported portfolio careers in practice.

Conclusion Understanding priorities and motivators of GP trainees will inform future healthcare planning, in particular, the type of role to which trainees aspire and the type of health service they in which they will work.