Stakeholders' views of shared learning models in general practice: a national survey

Background The number of learners requiring general practice placements creates supervisory capacity constraints. This research examined how a shared learning model may affect training capacity. Methods A national anonymous online survey of Australian general practitioner (GP) supervisors, GP registrars, prevocational trainees and medical students was conducted. Results A total of 1122 surveys were completed: 75% of learners had participated in shared learning; 25% of multi-level learner practices were not using shared learning. Learners were positive about shared learning (4.3-4.415), considering it an effective way to learn that created training capacity (4.1-4.2/5). 79-88% of learners preferred a mixture of one-to-one teaching and shared learning. Supervisors thought shared learning was more cost- and time-efficient, and created training capacity (4.3-4.4/5). Discussion Shared learning models have the potential to increase GP training capacity. Many practices are not utilising shared learning, representing capacity loss. Regional training providers should emphasise positive aspects of shared learning to facilitate uptake.