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Australian Health Review Australian Health Review Society
Journal of the Australian Healthcare & Hospitals Association
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Queensland Rural Generalist Pathway: why do trainees separate without achieving a Rural Generalist end point?

Scott Kitchener A B , John Douyere A and Deanne Bond A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Queensland Rural Generalist Pathway, Queensland Rural Medical Services, Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service, Level 18, 41 George Street, Brisbane, Qld 4000, Australia. Email: john.douyere@health.qld.gov.au; Deanne.Bond@health.qld.gov.au

B Corresponding author. Email: s.kitchener@griffith.edu.au

Australian Health Review 45(3) 377-381 https://doi.org/10.1071/AH19158
Submitted: 23 July 2019  Accepted: 13 September 2019   Published: 28 April 2021

Abstract

The aim of this study was to learn from trainees separating from the Queensland Rural Generalist Pathway (QRGP) the reasons and circumstances around their decision so as to improve the efficiency of the program and experience of trainees. Forty-one QRGP trainees who separated without achieving a Rural Generalist (RG) end point to training were interviewed regarding their reasons for separation and thoughts on improving the program. The mean period of time enrolled in the QRGP was 2.87 years. Broadly, the cohort divided into those separating for specialist training, those moving into non-RG general practice and those undecided. Separation for specialist training tended to occur during prevocational years and that to general practice later in the program before trainees had completed advanced skill training. Female trainees were over-represented among trainees separating without completing training. This cohort provided their opinions on the strengths of the QRGP and possible improvements. Understanding and addressing the reasons for early separation suggested several strategies to improve the efficiency of the QRGP in selecting and retaining trainees. Lessons learned included the value of employer-provided coordinated prevocational placements and training, potential benefits of guiding rural-interested medical graduates who ultimately enter other specialist training and the need for greater liaison with external Australian General Practice Training administration organisations to coordinate transition of trainees. There is a need to further address accessibility of advanced training for all trainees.

What is known about the topic? Policies to generate RG medicine programs are now present in most state jurisdictions and nationally in Australia, with reports of successes appearing. However, little information is available regarding non-completion of trainees selected.

What does this paper add? As programs grow in number and throughput, lessons learned from those choosing not to complete will inform the selection and management of trainees to improve the efficiency of these programs. This paper provides lessons learned by the QRGP regarding trainees not completing the program to inform the selection and management of trainees to make the program more efficient.

What are the implications for practitioners? RG programs may facilitate retention or efficient separation of trainees by addressing potential reasons for separation at relevant times in the program.


References

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