Clinical Lead - GP Exit Interviews

The current challenges in general practice across Lanarkshire are well documented. A number of local programmes continue to test changes to help mitigate against the significant workload and recruitment issues, as well as designing long-term, sustainable change within primary care across Lanarkshire.

One of the programmes is specifically looking at how GP recruitment and retention can be improved in Lanarkshire. One of the objectives of this programme is to gain an understanding of why GPs (principals or salaried) leave and why they remain with a practice. By understanding why GPs leave or stay, this can allow for retention strategies to be developed which in turn should enhance future retention.

There is also some evidence that speaking to GPs who have moved into a new position also gives valuable feedback and this is something that we also want to explore as part of this initiative., We are looking to recruit an experienced GP who can dedicate one session a week to meet with GPs who are leaving a practice, who may already have left, or who are open to discussion on why they are staying, to discuss the reasons associated with their decision; in some organisations these are called exit interviews and stay interviews. Although the literature on this topic is sparse, a review of the research reveals that most people cite job dissatisfaction, relationships, recognition, reward and career development as reasons for leaving. By building up a local picture, we hope to be able to use this information in a positive way which enhances future retention across Lanarkshire. A similar post was tested a number of years ago and was helpful, and we seeking to re introduce this and update the learning.