Engagement of general practice preceptors in teaching residents in outpatient settings in China: a national cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

Outpatient training is crucial for the standardized residency training of General Practitioners (GPs) in China. However, there is concern that General Practice (GP) preceptors may lack the willingness and capacities to teach residents in outpatient settings. Understanding how GP preceptors practice routine outpatient training and their views is essential for designing strategies; however, this issue has not been well studied. Thus, our study aimed to investigate the extent of GP preceptors' engagement in teaching residents in outpatient settings and to identify the factors associated with their practice of providing guidance in China.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, we distributed a self-administered questionnaire to 417 GP preceptors. Participants were selected from 142 hospitals across 24 provinces and had participated in the National GP Preceptor Training Program in early May 2024 in Hangzhou, China. A descriptive analysis was used to assess the extent of GP preceptors teaching residents in outpatient settings and their perceptions of outpatient training. Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify the associated factors of GP preceptors' engagement in teaching residents in outpatient settings.

RESULTS

Of the 297 participants included in the final analysis, 64.3% were female, with a mean age of 41.8 years (range: 29-56). A majority (63%) of GP preceptors expressed confidence in their ability to conduct outpatient training, and 68.7% indicated a willingness to increase their teaching efforts. While over 70% reported "always" or "often" providing helpful guidance to residents, only about a third consistently encouraged residents to take medical histories, perform physical examinations, and make preliminary clinical decisions. Logistic regression analysis shows that GP preceptors' frequent outpatient training, more medical experience, longer preceptorship, and confidence and determination were positively correlated with offering helpful guidance to residents, whereas concerns about reduced consultation efficiency and income were negatively associated with this guidance.

CONCLUSION

Although most GP preceptors in China report a strong willingness to engage in outpatient training, their actual teaching practice falls short of expectations in some respects and is correlated with their prior experiences and perceptions of such training. Strategic interventions that offer incentives, support, and increased opportunities for engagement in outpatient training are essential to enhance teaching practices.