Can improvements be made to the Supported Return to Training (SuppoRTT) programme for General Practice (GP) trainees in Wessex?

Abstract

In our roles as General Practice (GP) fellows working within the Supported Return to Training (SuppoRTT) programme, we evaluated the current experiences of GP trainees in Wessex with regard to SuppoRTT. SuppoRTT was developed to enable trainee doctors who have time out of training to have a safe and supported return to work. GP trainees are in a unique position in that they can return to various hospital placements as well as GP placements. Therefore, their needs can vary significantly from other trainees. We wanted to find out whether the programme was meeting its aims and to explore whether it could be improved using feedback from trainees. An anonymous online survey was sent to all current GP trainees in Wessex. Sixty per cent of GP trainees reported that returning to training was a positive experience, with many trainees accessing SuppoRTT and finding it helpful. Five main themes were identified to guide further improvements. These included lack of awareness of the programme, improving administrative processes, a desire for better wellbeing support on returning, a request for a GP specific return to work course, and increased planning prior to taking time out of training and flexibility on return. We identified that with some adjustments to how and what is delivered such as clearer documentation, and perhaps the delivery of a GP specific return to work course, the programme can better meet their needs.

Keywords: GP; SuppoRTT; Training; Wessex; fellow.