The GP retainer scheme: report of a national survey.

The current context of organisational change and new working patterns, together with the high cost of medical training, mean it is of vital importance that the NHS retains its trained workforce. The GP retainer scheme supports doctors who for reasons of personal circumstance are restricted in their ability to compete for employment in medicine, and aims to facilitate the retention of their skills and confidence. This national study evaluates the experiences and views of current and past GP retainers and provides a rigorous assessment of the retainer scheme. It is a mixed method study: an online questionnaire was completed by 318 current and ex-retainers across the UK; follow-up telephone interviews were conducted with 30 respondents. The study finds that the GP retainer scheme is effective in retaining GPs through times of transition and provides evidence to support the continuing funding of the scheme across the UK. The scheme is beneficial for doctors who also have a role in caring for young children and is also highly valued by a minority of GP retainers who are using it to return to work after illness, or to practice in a more limited role, due to chronic illness or disability. This study found variations in the implementation of the educational entitlement which is fundamental to the scheme. A minority of retainers experienced problems with the implementation of the scheme and recommendations are made for improvements.

GPs' experiences of the Returner (Induction and Refreshment) scheme in Severn: a qualitative study.

The introduction of the General Practice Returner (since renamed the Induction and Refreshment) scheme in England by the Department of Health and London Deanery in 2002 provided placements providing training for qualified GPs seeking to return to the primary care workforce after significant time away from clinical general practice. This qualitative research study sought to explore issues around such placements and involved in-depth telephone interviews with an opportunistic sample of 14 GP returners and five trainers on their experiences of the GP returner scheme within Severn Deanery. Findings showed unequivocal and universal support from both returners and trainers for the value of the scheme. However, issues around the 'two-year rule' and funding arrangements whilst returning to practice may need to be re-addressed. GP returners reported significant improvements in their clinical skills and knowledge, understanding of changing NHS policy/protocols and enhanced perceived self-confidence. The importance of a peer-respected scheme organiser, easily accessible internationally, was felt to be crucial. Opportunities for the transferability of unique experiences from GPs returning from overseas should also be further explored.