Supporting GP trainees in need: an evaluation study of trainees and facilitators experiences and perceptions of the Programme of Additional Specialised Support (PASS)

McFadzean, Joy, Sullivan, Martin and Tombs, Michal ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2789-5417 2026. Supporting GP trainees in need: an evaluation study of trainees and facilitators experiences and perceptions of the Programme of Additional Specialised Support (PASS). Journal of the Academy of Medical Educators Item availability restricted.

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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
Status:	In Press
Schools:	Schools > Medicine
Publisher:	Cardiff University Press
ISSN:	2977-5981
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	1 July 2026
Date of Acceptance:	30 June 2026
Last Modified:	01 Jul 2026 09:00
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/187844

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