A study on the attitudes of foundation doctors in Malta towards general practice and their experience while working in the specialty

Abstract

Introduction: A substantial number of Foundation year (FY) doctors have a three month rotation in family medicine at the health centres in Malta. The aim of the study was to understand the factors that influence FY doctors’ attitudes towards general practice (GP) and the potential reasons why these doctors would choose a career in GP. Method: This consisted of a cross-sectional questionnaire study carried out with FY doctors in Malta. The online server Google Forms was used to collect data and manage the questionnaires. Data was extracted to Excel 2010 with which it was analysed. Results: Over the one-year study period 61 FY doctors had a GP rotation. The questionnaire response rate was 54%. For 72.7% of respondents, choosing a rotation in GP had been a priority; of these, 88% would consider a career in GP but it was the preferred career choice for only 50%. Sixty-nine point six per cent of doctors gave a very positive rating (more than 7 out of 10) of their experience at health centres, and 78.8% experienced a positive change in attitude towards the specialty of family medicine after this rotation. The rotation was rated as having the greatest influence on career choice. Quality of life was the most popular factor attracting doctors to GP. Lack of respect towards general practitioners and the challenge of managing clinical uncertainty with patients in family medicine were the two main factors which discouraged doctors from such a career. Conclusion: General practice is a popular specialty in Malta and the Foundation rotation in GP was found to be one of the main factors influencing career choice. In view of this, it should be ensured that during the rotation doctors get a complete experience of general practice, which is a true reflection of what the specialty entails.