Practical tips for preparing for rural placements

Rural GP Term placements are a part of all GP Registrars' training programs whilst enrolled in AGPT.  GP Registrars on the General Pathway will do a minimum of six months GP Terms in a rural location, but can do more if they choose.  GP Registrars on the Rural Pathway will do all of their GP Terms in rural locations. 

At CSQTC's Rural Weekend Workshop held in November 2007, attended by GP Registrars and GP Trainers, one of the sessions examined the signposts, hazards and solutions in relation to preparing for rural placements.  Below is a summary of what came out of this session, which may be of benefit to GP Registrars as they embark upon their rural placements, and GP Trainers, as they prepare to greet their new GP Registrar.

Signposts: GP Registrars and GP Trainers were asked to identify key areas that needed to be addressed before commencing rural placements.

GP Trainers identified the following:

• Mindset of the GP Registrar (keenness and enthusiasm)
• Timely completion of paperwork
• Communication with the practice regarding accommodation family supports, access to hobbies
• Past GP Registrar experiences at the Practice
• Employment contracts and work conditions
  

GP Registrars identified the following

• Mindset (being well organised)
• Having accommodation and transport and other relocation issues
• Paperwork
• Childcare
• Having an idea of learning opportunities

Hazards:  The group identified hazards that may have arisen during rural placements, which could be minimised with adequate preparation. Areas mentioned included:

• Social isolation
• Medical isolation
• Solo GP Trainer versus 2  Practice locations and the communication issues that could arise
• Communication breakdown between GP Trainer and GP Registrar
• Leaving family behind
• GP Registrars travelling or commuting too far
• Inflexibility on both sides
• Safety issues related to after hours and on-call
• Lack of contingency plans (eg. unexpected disasters by car)
• Not integrating into the community
• Not committed to learning
• Unrealistic expectations
• Personality clashes
• Gaps in competency
• Inadequate orientation
• Availability of GP Trainer
  
• Paperwork issues

Solutions:  The group identified known solutions to help minimise the effect of the hazards:

• Having a checklist
• Orientation to the Practice and to the community - allocating time to settle in
  
• Acknowledging the known unknowns
• Pastoral role
• Being proactive
• Flexibility of GP Trainer and GP Registrar
• Working in a team environment
• Clear conversations between GP Trainer and GP Registrar