RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 GP perceptions of informal peer support in primary care: a qualitative study
JF BJGP Open
JO BJGP Open
FD Royal College of General Practitioners
SP BJGPO.2023.0151
DO 10.3399/BJGPO.2023.0151
VO 8
IS 2
A1 Hussan, Aminah
A1 Satheeskaran, Maya
A1 Dho, Hajin
A1 Basu, Avishek
A1 Fazaldin, Yunis
A1 Tariq, Samir
A1 Farkas, Maria
YR 2024
UL http://bjgpopen.org/content/8/2/BJGPO.2023.0151.abstract
AB Background Burnout is on the rise among GPs in the UK. One approach to mitigating burnout in GPs is through informal peer support (IPS). This refers to GPs informally supporting each other on an informational (advice) and emotional (venting and reflection) basis.Aim To explore GPs’ perceptions of how IPS manifests in the primary care setting and what factors influence effective GP engagement with IPS.Design & setting A qualitative study utilising semi-structured interviews to develop an in-depth understanding of GPs’ perceptions of IPS, based on their experiences in practices across England.Method Fifteen GPs were purposively sampled to include the views of locum, salaried, and trainee GPs and GP partners. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, recorded, and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.Results Four types of IPS were identified relating to emotional support, professional advice, sharing of workload, and mentorship, which reflect existing literature. The frequency and efficacy of IPS was found to be influenced by several factors categorised into individual traits, practice culture, and occupation.Conclusion The results highlight where efforts should be directed to improve GP engagement with IPS. Specifically, GP leaders have an important role in shaping practice culture and fostering an environment for IPS to occur. Practices may also benefit from introducing professional development measures targeted at training GPs to better support each other based on their individual traits.