An induction programme for European general practitioners coming to work in England: development and evaluation.

International recruitment now forms an important part of the government's policy to increase capacity in the NHS.¹ By 2003, 89 general practitioners (GPs) had been recruited from countries of the European Union (EU), and in particular, Spain and France.² The ability of the NHS to retain these GPs will, in part, depend on the support that they receive during the transition to work. In order that this can be achieved, the Department of Health recommend that all overseas doctors should participate in a thorough and comprehensive induction programme and receive support until they are fully integrated into the NHS.³ This paper describes the stages that we went through to develop an induction programme for EU GPs and reports on the programme evaluation. Evaluation of the programme has largely been positive, with most GPs suggesting that they would never have come to work in London general practice without the support of a formal programme that facilitated their transition to work in the NHS. Some components of the programme, for example facilitated peer support, provided unexpected outcomes, offering participants the opportunity to develop a supportive, cohesive team. Other aspects of the programme, for example the clinical placements, sometimes provoked an initial loss of confidence as participants found it difficult to move into a learning role, having previously been practicing ‘unwatched’ for many years. Programme evaluation also indicated that French GPs are generally not accustomed to self-directed continuing education or professional development. In order to maximize learning from the induction programme, therefore, participants tend to require clear direction regarding private study. At the time of writing this paper, 33 GPs have attended the programme, 26 (79%) of whom have taken up employment in London general practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]