FAQ: Do GP locums need special training and skills?
Yes, without a doubt, although it hasn’t yet been incorporated into the GP training curriculum. Training GPs to work as locums is very often overlooked, yet most newly qualified GPs spend a significant time working as GP locums.
In this paper, written with the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP), we take a look at GP consultation skills, see how these skills may be used differently when locuming, and examine how we can then help GPs to learn those skills.
GP Locums: The skills we need, and how to achieve them
And in April 2015, the British Journal of General Practice published Views of newly-qualified GPs about their training and preparedness: lessons for extended generalist training, which illustrates both the importance of training GPs to work as locums, and how working as a locum broadens their experience.
@DMTaylor90 As @NASGP said locums bring fresh eyes, 2nd opinion, unjaundiced objectivity, alt perspective, emphasise & explain existing care
— Dr Gary Smyth (@GaryJSmyth) May 9, 2014
"I have found membership very helpful during my time as a GP locum and would like to thank you very much."
Dr Louise Napier-Hemy, GP