Satisfaction and Perceived Barriers of General Practice Residents in Relation to Their Educational Needs Coverage During Residency in Greece

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to assess satisfaction and report on perceptions of General Practice (GP) residents during residency in Greece, through an online questionnaire at a national level. Material and methods:A mixed type method study was shaped. Both quantitative analysis and a quasiqualitative approach were used, while information from an open-ended question was processed. The study included answers of GP residents recruited with a national sample pool technique. Results:There were 177 responders from 430 registered residents. Using a grading system from 1 to 10, the median value showing how much satisfied the participants were during their training was 4.48 (95% CI 4.16-4.79), while GP logbook was regarded as useful (median value 6.29, 95% CI 5.84-6.73). The training program was reported as insufficient to prepare residents for their future work as primary health care physicians, with a median rating of 4.09 (95% CI 3.78-4.41). The overall educational gain was regarded as poor compared to residents' expectations, with a median rating of 4.71 (95% CI 4.38-5.07). From free text responses of 83 participants, an organized educational program based on logbook skill acquirement with interaction between coordinator and resident emerged as a priority. Conclusion: Understanding general practitioners' perceptions, satisfaction level and expectations may help to design reform initiatives and cover their educational needs during residency in a holistic manner. Experience from local settings may be useful to offer more comprehensive messages. In a rapidly changing health environment, quickly collecting and analyzing emerging data appears to be a practical way for correcting decisions and avoiding previous errors.