How to take part in the GP Retention Project

 

In September 2024, we launched the GP Retention Project.

This project uses remote ethnography to connect with GPs in Ireland to learn about their day-to-day experiences of work. The method involve connecting with GPs using Threema (an instant messaging app similar to WhatsApp) and Zoom.

Who Can Take Part?
To take part in the GP Retention Project, you should be a GP working primarily in general practice in Ireland.

Why Should I Take Part?

A strong primary care workforce is essential for a functioning healthcare system, and Ireland is currently experiencing a GP crisis. We want to find out more about the everyday working experiences of general practitioners in 2024 and to understand what additional supports might be needed to improve doctor wellbeing and doctor retention.

With your help, this study will enable us to generate insights into the working lives of GPs in Ireland in 2024. We will disseminate the research findings widely and will use the information generated by the GP Retention Project to inform policy change.

Taking part in the GP Retention Project will involve the following:

GPs in Ireland

  1. Consent: A member of the research team (Dr. Holly Hanlon) will explain the project and get your consent to take part.
  2. Interview: You will be invited to participate in a short interview (30-40 mins) with Holly about your working life.
  3. Over a period of 8 weeks, Holly will send you 2-3 Threema messages per week (Threema is an app similar to, but more secure than, WhatsApp). These messages will ask you to reflect on an aspect of your working day. You can reply to messages whenever you find time.
  4. Interview: finally, you will be invited to take part in a final interview (via phone or Zoom) with Holly to discuss some of the issues that have arisen during the Threema conversation and invited to reflect again on your working life and any other issues that have arisen.

Irish GPs Abroad

  1. Consent: A member of the research team (Dr. Holly Hanlon) will explain the project and get your consent to take part.
  2. Interview: You will be invited to participate in a short interview (30-40 mins) with Holly about your working life.

More information about the GP Retention Project is contained in the attached leaflet.

To take part in the project, please contact Dr Holly Hanlon via email: hollyhanlon@rcsi.ie

Thank you very much for your interest in the GP Retention Project. We look forward to hearing from you.

GP Retention Project Team