National registrar surveys for 2023

The Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) National Registrar Survey (NRS) 2023 commissioned by the Commonwealth health department, results were published last month. These  bring some additional insights to the findings of the Medical Board’s larger Medical Training Survey  (MTS) which was also conducted over July and August last year, and the more granular data from the College’s own Registrar Survey which was conducted earlier this year. 

Unlike the MTS which covered all ACRRM pathways and draws on data from 546 ACRRM registrar respondents (50% of ACRRM registrars enrolled at that time), the NRS data is only collected from ACRRM registrars on the AGPT. The 2023 survey received responses from 154 ACRRM registrars (38% of those enrolled at the time of the survey). The NRS findings were largely consistent with those of the larger MTS survey and reinforced some of the key trends.   

Some findings of interest

Training Experience

ACRRM registrar respondents on the NRS reported 80% satisfaction with training services. ACRRM registrar respondents on the MTS similarly reported overall satisfaction with their training at 80% and 82% would recommend their workplace as a place to train.

There was evidence of strong satisfaction with ACRRM supervisors and training posts. 85% of MTS respondents reported that their supervision of high quality and in the NRS, respondents’ satisfaction rates with the training and education provided by supervisors was over 82%.  With positive breakdown indicators such at 94% satisfaction with clinical work, 94% satisfaction with diversity of patients and presentations, and 96% satisfaction with their location.   

In the MTS, 82% of registrars rated their teaching sessions as being of high quality, 82% reported that their formal education program had been useful in their development as a doctor and 88% reported that their training program was relevant to their development as a doctor. Respondents on the NRS indicated 80% satisfaction with Medical Educator facilitated peer learning, 78% satisfaction with overall training and education and 80% satisfaction with training and education resources.

Despite pleasing improvements, ACRRM registrars continue to report greater challenges in terms of working hours, educational facilities and work stress relative to the average for GP registrars. For example, over 57% of ACRRM respondents on the NRS reported living away from immediate family. In the MTS ACRRM respondents were, working on average 6.7 hours more per week than other GP registrars, and 13% more likely to report a heavy or very heavy workload, and 10% more likely to have unreliable internet. 

Respondents to the NRS reported 82% satisfaction with health and wellbeing support provided by ACRRM. The MTS however highlights the need for better wellbeing supports and strengthening of respectful workplace cultures. The MTS reported national incidence of bullying and discrimination for all doctors in training remains at 21%.  ACRRM registrars have reported improvements across these areas, for example 83% of ACRRM MTS respondents reported that they had a positive workplace culture - up 5% from the 2022 survey. One key area highlighted in both the NRS and the MTS is the need for the College to better promote the availability of its confidential complaints and psychological support mechanisms with both surveys highlighting limited knowledge of these by respondents (for example 60% of respondents on the NRS reported knowing how to access the grievance process).  This continues to be a key focus for the College, with leadership provided through the Respectful Workplaces Committee.

The ACRRM’s registrar survey highlighted the need for stronger communication channels with ACRRM staff.  Communication has significantly improved since transition (e.g. MTS respondents reported 70% satisfaction with communication of their program requirements in 2023 compared to 56% provided by training organisations in 2022) however this remains a focus area for improvement and ACRRM continues to review and strengthen its lines of communication with registrars and training posts.

Workforce contribution

ACRRM registrars again showcased how important they are to provision of medical care in areas of national workforce priority.

• ACRRM registrar respondents to the NRS compared to AGPT registrars on average were training in more remote locations and the comparative gap, increased with remoteness 

• ACRRM registrars respondents on the NRS showed strong interest in remaining in their rural location post training and this commitment increased with remoteness. 

• Compared to the average of AGPT registrars in the NRS, ACRRM registrar respondents were significantly more likely to be interest in working in the next five years:
  • In a rural or remote location (69% compared to 22%)
  • In Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander healthcare (19% compared to 13%)
  • Pursuing academic research (15% compared to 14%)
  • As a Rural Generalist (85% compared to 16%)