A new study has shown that more than a third (36%) of junior doctors still in training in general practice have been asked to carry out tasks that were beyond their capabilities.
The data published by the British Medical Association showed that the pressures of the job causes more than one in four junior doctors to drop out of their studies.
According to the figures, 23% of 6,000 doctors in training did not apply for the next stage of their development last year.
Some leave the NHS altogether, while others take gap years or work in other parts of the health service.
The study also raised concerns on how well time was spent over the course of the training, after the figures showed junior doctors spent more time on admin tasks than formal medical training.
Two-thirds (66%) of their time was spent on clinical duties, 14% on admin tasks, and 13% on formal training.
A spokesman for the Department of Health said: “Junior doctors spend too much time dealing with administrative tasks. We will release frontline NHS staff from unnecessary red-tape and bureaucracy, so that they get maximum time with patients.”
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Your comments (terms and conditions apply):
“Nothing new here. Junior drs of all varieties have always been asked to do things that were beyond their capabilities. The reality of life as a GP is endless paperwork so I am not surprised so much time is spent on paperwork” – Name and address withheld
