McFadzean, Joy  ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9766-2681, Sullivan, Martin and Tombs, Michal ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2789-5417
2026.
Evaluation of the Programme of Additional Specialised Support (PASS) in Wales: GP trainee and facilitator perceptions of examination support.
Journal of the Academy of Medical Educators
1
10.18573/jaome.24
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Abstract
Background and Aims General Practitioner (GP) trainees may face difficulties during training, leading to multiple attempts to pass examinations and extended training. This has a significant impact on individuals and workforce planning, and a Programme of Additional Specialised Support (PASS) for GP trainees has been developed and delivered in Wales to support trainees in need. This paper presents findings from a programme evaluation project designed to gain in-depth insights into the supportive aspects of PASS. Evaluation method Semi-structured interviews sought the perceptions of GP trainees and GP Facilitators in Wales, who had attended or facilitated PASS sessions. The design of this evaluation was underpinned by the Reciprocal Determinism Theory, focusing on cognitive, environmental and behavioural factors. Results Four GP trainees and five GP facilitators volunteered to take part in semi-structured interviews and shared their experiences and perceptions of the PASS programme. Framework analysis principles were used to analyse the data. Codes were inductively identified, developed, organised into categories, and contextualised alongside existing literature. Four categories were derived from these findings: personal factors, environmental factors, sociocultural factors, and behavioural factors. Conclusion This evaluation provided insights into how GP trainees can be supported, and where supportive programmes may consider amendments. Findings suggest that the programme can be improved through further consideration of personal (e.g. attitudes), environmental (e.g. social) and behavioural (e.g. engagement) factors that can affect attendance and impact ongoing success.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Date Type: | Publication |
| Status: | Published |
| Schools: | Schools > Medicine Schools > Postgraduate Medical and Dental Education |
| Subjects: | R Medicine > R Medicine (General) |
| Publisher: | Cardiff University Press |
| ISSN: | 2977-5981 |
| Date of First Compliant Deposit: | 3 November 2026 |
| Date of Acceptance: | 30 June 2026 |
| Last Modified: | 04 Nov 2026 15:16 |
| URI: | https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/190622 |
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