Journal article
Value and service match of advanced training skills among rural general practitioners: a qualitative Australian study
BMJ Open, Vol.15(3), pp.1-6
2025
PMCID: PMC11907041
PMID: 40081982
Abstract
Introduction: Advanced skills training (AST) is a requirement for rural generalist training in Australia. This study explored the lived experience of general practitioners who have undertaken AST to better appreciate its value and fitness for purpose.
Methods: Thirteen participants were recruited via convenience sampling. A descriptive phenomenological study design was employed. Semistructured interviews were conducted and thematically analysed to identify patterns in the data.
Results: Participants identified the professional value of AST, describing improved clinical competence, clinical courage, development of professional networks, work satisfaction and recognition. AST enabled better provision and continuity of care to rural communities. Potential service mismatches between AST specialty selection and perceived community needs are a current challenge.
Conclusion: Recommendations include refining the programme selection process, increasing programme flexibility and developing clearer guidelines to navigate training pathways. Future research should explore the value of AST from community perspectives to inform tailored approaches.
Details
- Title
- Value and service match of advanced training skills among rural general practitioners: a qualitative Australian study
- Authors
- Hannah M Mason - James Cook UniversityAbdul-Aziz Seidu - James Cook UniversityFrancis Albert - James Cook UniversityEmma M Anderson - James Cook UniversityFaith O Alele - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Public HealthLawrie McArthur - The University of AdelaideAaron Hollins - James Cook UniversityPaula Heggarty - James Cook UniversityTarun Sen Gupta - James Cook UniversityRichard Hays - James Cook UniversityBunmi S Malau-Aduli (Corresponding Author) - James Cook University
- Publication details
- BMJ Open, Vol.15(3), pp.1-6
- Publisher
- BMJ Group
- Date published
- 2025
- DOI
- 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-089890
- ISSN
- 2044-6055
- PMID
- 40081982; PMC11907041
- Copyright note
- This is an open access article distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited, appropriate credit is given, any changes made indicated, and the use is non-commercial. See: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/.
- Data Availability
- All data relevant to the study are included in the article or uploaded as supplementary information. The data relevant to this study are included in the article.
- Grant note
- Australian College of Rural & Remote Medicine
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health - Public Health
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991110915002621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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