Time out for respite and recovery : a qualitative study of influences on general practitioners’ adaptation to general practice

摘要: Previous research has highlighted general practitioners (GPs) maladaptive coping efforts, but little is known about GPs who appear to adapt positively their inherently demanding work. This study aimed address this knowledge gap by identifying factors that optimise adaptation working in practice. A qualitative methodology underpinned a constructionist epistemological stance was used. Twenty-six semistructured individual interviews with suburban and rural the State of Victoria aged between 24 77 years were conducted. identified work demands consistent with previous research: time pressure, long hours work, heavy workload, pace work; work interfering non-work/family, threat malpractice litigation, bureaucratic interference. However, degree concern coping responses varied; some GPs appraised as while others considered them an opportunity. GPs adopted range adaptive behaviours manage resolve that were influenced six key elements. These were: (1) centrality GPs, (2) the inclination towards integration or segmentation non-work/family domains, (3) situational factors practice non-work/family domains, (4) ability psychologically detach from GP role (5) choice respite activity, (6) adequate recovery demands. An heuristic schema brings together these six elements implications for presented. Understanding self-knowledge about orientation, preference integrating segmenting life domains, point need tailored strategies facilitate psychological detachment, resources, successful general practice life GP. may also assist medical students prepare for meeting challenges future careers.