How Should Doctors Learn Wellbeing? Perspectives from Early-Career General Practitioners Across Europe

Abstract

(1) Background: The evolving demands of general practice have increased stress, workload, and fatigue among patients and doctors. In 2022, the European Young Family Doctors Movement (EYFDM) identified wellbeing as a key competency for future GPs. This study primarily explored the perspectives of early-career GPs on integrating wellbeing in general practice training. (2) Methods: A concurrent mixed-methods approach combined a quanti tative survey with a town hall discussion at the EYFDM workshop during WONCA Europe 2023 in Brussels. The meeting included brainstorming, subgroup discussions, and synthe sis of findings. Subgroup discussions among young GPs and GP trainees were recorded, analyzed using content analysis, and validated through two rounds of stakeholder consulta tion. (3) Results: Participants advocated for mandatory wellbeing-focused timeslots during training with flexible, self-selected learning activities. Proposals included a toolbox with individual, group, and supervised options. A cultural shift towards prioritizing wellbeing as part of professional development was unanimously supported. Senior GP involvement was seen as crucial for driving this change, alongside wellbeing training for coaches and role models. (4) Conclusions: GP trainees across Europe emphasize the need for greater focus on wellbeing in training, supported by a generational cultural shift. Voluntary, di verse learning activities (toolbox) and role-modeling activities with experienced GPs may support wellbeing to be embedded as a core competency in general practice.