“Quick wins” vs “eating the frog”: Exploring general practitioners’ prioritisation dilemmas.

Background Prioritisation is an increasing part of a GP’s workload, though learning this skill is usually left to on-the-job training. Little is known about how experienced GPs prioritise their workload. Aim This study aimed to explore the factors that experienced GPs consider when prioritising their acute workload Design and Setting This qualitative research study used focus groups of GP educators based in central Scotland to explore the factors that they consider when prioritising their acute workload. Method Participants were recruited through convenience sampling. The key inclusion criterion was being involved in the supervision of GP Registrars. Five focus groups were carried out and transcripts were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis to identify the dilemmas that GPs face when prioritising their workload. Results Thirty-seven participants took part. Five themes emerged from the data; (1) GPs maintain an awareness of their work system and adapt their consultation style to demand. (2) They make decisions in an order which manages their time efficiently. (3) Their familiarity with patients and clinical experience enables them to make quick decisions about patient care, though this can lead to bias in decision-making. (4) They rely on their therapeutic relationships with patients and working relationships with colleagues when making decisions. (5) Their personal preferences are important, such as managing the simplest or the most complex presentations first. Conclusion Prioritisation is an increasingly important skill in modern General Practice. It is crucial that those involved in prioritisation are given the time and tools necessary to adequately develop this skill.