Table 1. Study inclusion and exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteriaExclusion criteria
Study populationThe study is about IMGs in the UK or one or more of its constituent countries orThe study is about IMGs in multiple countries including the UK (or one or more of its constituent countries) and the information or findings on UK-based IMGs are clearly differentiated from those on other IMGs (in this case only the portion of the study on UK-based IMGs will be read and coded)The study is about IMGs in countries other than the UK orThe study is about IMGs in multiple countries including the UK, but it is not possible to ascertain which information or findings are applicable to UK-based IMGs
LanguageThe study is written in English
Study designThe study consists of the analysis of primary or secondary data, or is a descriptive or factual piece describing developments related to IMG GPsThe study is a conference abstract or presentationThe study is about the personal opinion of the author, for example in the form of a letter or transcribed lecture
Full text availabilityThe full text of the study is available
Career stageThe study concerns the early career stage of an IMG GP, defined as IMG GPs who have been working as GPs in the UK for ≤10 years since obtaining one of the following:

  • Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) following a UK-based GP training programme

  • Certificate of Eligibility for GP Registration (CEGPR): this route is available to the GP register for GPs not eligible for CCT because they have trained and worked as a GP outside the UK. This applies to overseas doctors with non-UK, non-European Economic Area (EEA) qualifications

  • Alternatively, for IMG GPs who trained in the EEA and have a recognised European GP qualification, they must have begun working as GPs in the NHS within the past 10 years

The study concerns GP trainees or GPs in the later stages of their careers

  • IMG = international medical graduates