PROSPER-GP

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Learning from practice and individual outcomes to support general practitioner enhanced retention​

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The Challenge

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GPs are described as the ‘front door’ to the NHS, managing 90% of all patient concerns and referring to other services as needed. Over recent years their workloads have increased, resulting in rising stress and reduced capacity as a result and, in some cases, doctors leaving their roles entirely. This not only affects doctors themselves, but also patients and the NHS as a whole. Many GPs are reducing their hours or leaving work entirely, leading to increased pressures on remaining staff and difficulties for patients in getting appointments.

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GPs worklife experiences vary depending on their job role, age, sex, ethnic background and other characteristics. Fewer GPs are choosing roles as business owners, known as ‘GP partners,’ as these positions often involve more stress. If no one has overall responsibility for running a practice, it may close, leaving patients without a local GP. Research has shown that men and women GPs face different challenges, while younger and ethnic minority doctors experience particular difficulties.

 

For some, these difficulties intersect, causing even greater challenges. Solutions are needed urgently that take account of these variations.

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Research and government policy have tended to focus on training new doctors, but this may take a long time to work, as GP training typically takes 10 years. We need to think about how we can support and keep existing GPs currently in the system. Some practices do this more successfully than others.

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Led by: Dr Laura Jefferson