GP trainees as teachers: a rapid review of the barriers, facilitators and outcomes

Abstract

Background: There is a workforce crisis in General Practice (GP) within the United Kingdom (UK). High-quality clinical placement experiences in GP influence medical students' interest and likelihood to enter this speciality. GP trainees often express a desire to teach, yet teaching does not feature significantly within their current practice. This study aims to explore outcomes, barriers, and facilitators of GP trainees teaching medical students through a rapid review of published literature.

Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychINFO, Web of Science were searched for articles relating to GP trainees teaching. Studies conducted in the UK and Australia, between January 2000 and October 2022 were included. The Medical Education Research Study Quality Index and the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist were used to assess quality.

Results: Twenty-seven publications, 11 qualitative, six quantitative, three mixed-methods and seven opinion pieces, were identified. Many studies have methodological limitations. Empirical studies show that there are benefits of near-peer teaching, but these are limited by trainees' capacity and capability to teach, and GPs' confidence in trainees' teaching. The culture within the practice influenced whether trainees were seen solely as learners or also as teachers for students.

Discussion: When GP trainees teach there are positive outcomes for medical students and trainees. Teaching was considered an activity that trainees did in 'addition to' rather than 'part' of' their training. Appropriate teaching opportunities, and relevant training, were key to trainees' competence and confidence in teaching. Resources and recognition and a strong teaching culture are needed to support GP trainees to teach.

Keywords: GP registrars; GP trainees; Teaching; general practice; medical students.