News Release

Retention scheme could offset GP recruitment crisis

Scottish general practitioners' willingness to take part in a post-retirement retention scheme: questionnaire survey BMJ Volume 328, p 329

Peer-Reviewed Publication

BMJ

Almost three quarters of general practitioners in Scotland plan to retire at or before the age of 60, but many would be interested in a post-retirement retention scheme that could help to offset the current recruitment crisis in UK general practice, finds a study in this week's BMJ.

Researchers surveyed 348 practising general practitioners aged 55 and older about their retirement plans, their reasons if retirement was planned before the age of 60, and their interest in a retention scheme.

Of 333 who answered the question of age of intended retirement, 20% (68) planned to retire before 60, 51% (170) at 60, and 29% (95) planned to continue beyond 60. Eighty one per cent (55) of those intending to retire before 60 cited excessive workload as the reason.

Some 243 (70%) GPs indicated an interest in a retention scheme. Around two thirds said they would prefer to be retained by their current practice, and over half expected to continue working in the scheme for more than two years.

Even if only half of those who expressed an interest in such a scheme applied it would provide the equivalent of 40 full time posts in Scotland, which could partly offset the recruitment crisis, say the authors. In addition, these experienced general practitioners could provide a valuable education resource.

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