A qualitative study of pre-registration house officers in general practice.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate a unique pre-registration house officer (PRHO) rotation involving half a week in general practice over a 4-month period. House officers' and supervisors' views were sought on the value of this type of rotation.

DESIGN

Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews.

SETTING

A four-partner postgraduate training practice in a deprived urban part of North-east England.

SUBJECTS

Pre-registration house officers and supervisors.

RESULTS

House officers gained in educational and clinical terms from their period in general practice. They had a high level of individual supervision and teaching and encountered a wider spectrum of illness than in hospital. They found certain aspects of general practice stressful. The supervision required was greater than that needed for a registrar. The supervision of house officers requires support and possibly further education for the supervisor.

CONCLUSIONS

General practice can provide valuable supervised experience at this stage of a doctor's career.