Striking a balance: investigating how situated learning promotes a balance between professional and personal roles for GPs in a demanding and complex healthcare environment

The increasing complexity of healthcare requires a new expanded professional identity for GPs. They need to possess the knowledge and skills to improve patient and population health and also contribute to the professional community of general practice. However, this can create tensions between their professional and personal identities, which can affect patient care and important professional values such as continuity of care. Future physicians must find a balance between their personal and professional identities.

Objectives

This project uses participatory research methods involving GP trainees, GPs, and GP educators to identify issues and collaboratively create solutions. By defining a new expanded professional identity for GPs and investigating factors that hinder or facilitate its formation, educators can support future GPs in finding this balance.