RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 ‘I feel many of my reflections are forced’: International medical graduates’ perspectives on reflection in UK general practice training: a mixed methods qualitative study
JF BJGP Open
JO BJGP Open
FD Royal College of General Practitioners
SP BJGPO.2023.0210
DO 10.3399/BJGPO.2023.0210
VO 8
IS 4
A1 Emery, Laura Jayne
A1 Jackson, Ben
A1 Mitchell, Caroline
YR 2024
UL http://bjgpopen.org/content/8/4/BJGPO.2023.0210.abstract
AB Background UK general practice training requires trainees to evidence clinical competencies through reflective writing entries in online portfolios. Trainees who complete their medical degree in the UK experience reflection as an undergraduate, whereas 80% of international medical graduates (IMGs) have no previous experience of reflection.Aim To explore IMGs’ perspectives on the positive and negative aspects of reflection in the context of postgraduate GP training.Design & setting A mixed-methods qualitative study undertaken in the UK. Qualitative ‘free-text’ survey data obtained in 2021 were analysed. The themes were further explored by semi-structured interviews conducted in 2022–2023.Method Participants were IMGs with experience of the UK GP training scheme. Verbatim open-question survey data underwent content analysis. Broad themes identified were used to develop the interview topic guide. A geographically dispersed, purposive sample of participants were recruited for semi-structured interviews. Interview and survey data were then analysed thematically.Results In total, 433 participant datasets are included: 422 of 485 responses to a UK-wide survey, including open questions, and 11 interview transcripts. IMGs considered reflection to provide an effective approach for learning, an opportunity for self-assessment and professional development, and a means of developing self-awareness. Concerns were expressed about how time-consuming recording reflection is, how its mandated aspect makes it forced, and fears regarding the medico-legal consequences of reflective writing.Conclusion Despite a lack of previous experience in reflection, most IMGs showed an understanding of the benefits of reflection in GP training. However, the challenges of reflection must be addressed, to avoid devaluing reflection for clinical learning.