Perceptions of ad hoc supervision encounters in general practice training: a qualitative interview-based study

BACKGROUND: Ad hoc supervision encounters occur between general practitioner (GP) supervisors and general practice registrars outside scheduled teaching sessions. Anecdotally reported as important learning opportunities, these encounters are rarely explored in the literature. OBJECTIVE: This study examined supervisors', registrars' and practice managers' perceptions of ad hoc supervisory encounters. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with purposively sampled supervisors, registrars and practice managers from regional general practice settings. Data were analysed using template analysis. RESULTS: Fifteen respondents participated in the interviews. Their perceptions of ad hoc encounters were reported under the categories of immediacy, safety, education, professional identity and supervisor stress. DISCUSSION: Ad hoc encounters in general practice registrar training are highly valued for supporting patient safety and registrar education. The encounters serve a range of practical purposes for supervisors, registrars and practices, and warrant further exploration on how to optimise their benefits within general practice.