Postgraduate GPs’ experience of attending Medical Uncertainty Training during the Standardised Training of Residents: A qualitative process evaluation

Background Uncertainty is a pervasive aspect of primary healthcare, significantly impacting clinical decision-making and patient outcomes. Medical Uncertainty Training (MUT) courses aim to equip healthcare providers with the skills needed to manage this uncertainty effectively. Objective To explore post-graduate General Practitioners' (GPs) experiences and perspectives on attending MUT courses during standardized residency training in China, focusing on the potential mechanism of such courses in handling uncertainty and identified areas for improvement. Methods A qualitative study utilizing semi-structured interviews was conducted with 15 post-graduate GPs, selected through purposive sampling from January 2024 to March 2024. Data were collected through in-depth interviews conducted face-to-face or via video conferencing, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using NVivo14 software. Themes related to the course's structure, process, and outcomes were identified. Results Three principal themes emerged from the process evaluation interviews, categorized according to the Donabedian structure-process-outcome framework as teaching structure, teaching process, and teaching outcome. These themes were further subdivided into specific sub-themes including necessity of the course, comprehensive curriculum design, cognitive, emotional and behavioral education, flexibility and accessibility, interactive learning methods, continuous feedback and reflection, enhanced clinical judgment, increased resilience and confidence, Real-World application challenges. Conclusion The process evaluation findings provided more information on GPs' perceptions and experiences of attending MUT. Compared to increasing tolerance for uncertainty, medical students are more concerned with improving their personal competence in uncertain situations. By integrating cognitive, emotional, and behavioral education, the course builds GPs' confidence and skills in handling complex medical cases. Future research should validate these results across diverse settings and assess the long-term impact on clinical practice and professional development.