When medical audit starts to count

Factors influencing the career choices of general practitioner trainees in North West Thames Regional Health Authority

The aim of this study was to identify those factors influencing general practitioner trainees when choosing their future place of work, with particular reference to those issues that might be relevant to a choice of practice in inner London. A questionnaire was sent to the 90 trainees undertaking the final component of general practice training within North West Thames Regional Health Authority in May 1991. Seventy five doctors responded to the questionnaire, of whom 47 (63%) were women. Forty five per cent of women indicated that they wished to work part time, compared with 6% of the men. Only 21 trainees (28%) said that they would consider working in inner London, 36 (48%) stating that they would definitely not work in this location, with only nine (12%) indicating a willingness to work in a single handed practice and 21 (28%) in a two doctor practice. Specific factors identified as important when choosing a practice included a good working relationship with partners and staff, the presence of a practice nurse and practice manager, attached health authority staff, opportunities for postgraduate education, and good relationships with hospitals. Of the 800 practices in the north west Thames region, 62% are either one or two doctor practices, these being more prevalent in inner London areas where training practices are less common. Given the preferences expressed by trainees, future recruitment in inner London is likely to be more difficult than elsewhere.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)