They used focus groups to examine the views of 13 general practitioner registrars, six of whom had undertaken an extra six months' training beyond the standard 12 month course.
Participants reported that the 12 month course was generally positive, but was too pressurised and focused on exams. Individuals reported training gaps, leaving them lacking in confidence and averse to continuing lifelong learning.
In contrast, the additional training focused more on patient care and promoted self-directed learning. Participants reported increased confidence and feeling better prepared for life as a principle or locum. However, it did not fill all the training gaps and they still reported not being "100%" confident.
Although extending training in general practice by six months remedies some deficiencies, it is not the whole answer, say the authors.
With the development of primary care organisations, a new GP contract, and considerable new funding for the NHS, a real opportunity exists to design vocational training capable of producing the "fit for purpose" general practitioner required for the new NHS, they conclude.