Data published in a research paper, which found that a significant rise in GP training places had not resulted in a corresponding increase in applicants from Irish medical schools, is under review, the Medical Independent (MI) has learned.
The paper – ‘An analysis of applications and acceptances to the National Specialist Training Programme in General Practice Ireland from 2021-2024’ – was published recently in the Irish Medical Journal.
It examined patterns among applicants to the GP training programme over a four-year period.
According to the study, the number of applications rose from 685 in 2021 to 1,310 in 2024.
However, despite the large increase in applications, there was no corresponding rise in the number of applicants from Irish medical schools, the researchers found.
“By contrast, the number of applicants who graduated from other EU/EEA/UK or non-EU medical schools has grown substantially representing 73 per cent in 2024,” according to the study.
The findings raised concerns within the GP community, with some expressing disappointment that despite the rise in training places there had been no corresponding increase in Irish-trained applicants.
However, this newspaper has been informed that data contained in the study is under review and will be updated in the coming weeks.
The peer-reviewed paper is still available online. When the update is issued, it will appear within the online study.
An ICGP spokesperson told MI that “the paper is under review”.
The College assisted the researchers in supplying data for the paper, it is understood.
The research was undertaken as Ireland has one of the lowest numbers of GPs per capita in the European Union.
Researchers hoped to gain more understanding of the current application trends to help inform future qualitative studies exploring the broader factors influencing application rates to GP training.
It is understood that the researchers plan to conduct two further qualitative studies in the area. The first will explore the perspectives of GP educators (involved in both the undergraduate and postgraduate teaching programmes) on factors influencing students’ and NCHDs’ decisions to apply for GP training in Ireland.
The second piece of work will explore the motivations of interns and medical school factors influencing their decision to apply for the GP training programme.
A document published in 2023 by the ICGP and Academic General Practice Ireland outlined the challenges in delivering quality GP placements for medical students. It proposed a national funding model and support, along with additional measures to strengthen GP
training across the educational continuum.
According to the Department of Health, the annual intake to the GP training programme has increased by about 80 per cent from 2019 to 2024. A total of 350 new-entrant training places are currently available.
Speaking to MI earlier this year, ICGP CEO Mr Fintan Foy said there will “always be challenges” around GP training.
“But I think, from my perspective and from the board’s perspective, we are very happy with where it’s at [currently], other than having to make sure it’s properly resourced,” according to Mr Foy.
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