Family medicine and general practitioner supervisor wellbeing: a literature review

Abstract

BackgroundResearch examining general practice supervisor wellbeing has often been conducted within the context of trainee wellbeing and educational outcomes.AimTo consolidate the current literature regarding the wellbeing of GP supervisors through a ‘supervisor–wellbeing’ lens.Design & settingLiterature review of original research studies on Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, and Ovid PsycINFO from inception to December 2022.MethodThe Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, and Ovid PsycINFO databases were systematically searched from inception to December 2022. Original research studies were eligible if they explored any aspect of wellbeing or burnout (that is, construct conceptualisations, risk and protective factors, implications, or interventions) among GPs involved in educating GP trainees. Reporting quality of included studies was assessed using the QualSyst tool. Results from included studies were narratively synthesised.ResultsData from 26 independent samples were reviewed. Burnout was generally conceptualised using the Leiter and Maslach model. Wellbeing was poorly defined in the literature, largely being conceptualised in personal psychological terms and, to a lesser extent, professional satisfaction. Risk and protective factors were identified and grouped as individual (for example, satisfaction with capacity to teach) and external (for example, autonomy, collegial relationships, resource availability) factors. GP supervisors’ wellbeing appeared to affect their job performance and retention. This review identified only two studies evaluating interventions to support GP supervisors’ wellbeing.ConclusionThe present review highlights a lack of conceptual clarity and research examining interventions for GP supervisor wellbeing. It provides guidance for future research designed to maximise the wellbeing of GP supervisors and support the wellbeing of trainees.