Trainees in the practice: practical issues

Abstract

BACKGROUND: General practices need to consider a number of practical issues when becoming a teaching practice. OBJECTIVE: This article describes the key aspects of patient and financial management when trainees are present in the practice and suggests solutions to potential issues. DISCUSSION: Managing a practice where trainees are present adds additional organisational workloads and responsibilities. One aspect is the management of patients when trainees are present. This includes ensuring patients understand the requirements of a teaching practice and obtaining informed consent from patients, particularly for more junior training levels. It also requires the appropriate management of appointments to allow for teaching and supervision and a process for managing complaints and follow up. Another aspect for a teaching practice is financial management. Staff have additional roles which can impact on their service roles and a number of factors can impact on the income generated by a trainee. Teaching practices need to be aware of these issues and establish systems to enable them to manage a practice effectively when trainees are present.