GPs are the ‘most pressurised group’ in the medical workforce but are also more likely than other doctors to feel part of a supportive team, according to a new report by the General Medical Council (GMC).

The report, based on a survey of 4,697 doctors including 1,076 GPs, found that nearly half of GPs (44%) were struggling with their workload, compared to 29% of other doctors. Almost two thirds (61%) of GPs also reported finding it difficult to provide sufficient patient care at least once a week, compared with 40% of all doctors.

However, despite the pressures faced by GPs, they were also more likely to feel part of a supportive team than the average, with 78% of GPs saying they felt this compared to 73% overall.

The report said this reflects GPs’ ‘different workplace and working environment compared to secondary care’.

But, while supportive teams are important, it added that they ‘cannot on their own improve doctors’ experiences’.

It said: ‘Other interventions are needed to ensure doctors can manage their workloads and deliver high-quality patient care.

‘Careful thought needs to be given to how general practice can become a more appealing career choice that attracts more doctors to work in primary care.

‘Without this, there is a significant risk that vacancies will become harder to fill over time, and rising workloads may further affect retention as GPs reduce their hours or plan to leave the UK profession. This would compound the vicious cycle and leave the remaining primary care workforce with an increasing workload.’

Charlie Massey, chief executive of the GMC, said: ‘Like any profession, doctors who are disillusioned with their careers will start looking elsewhere. Doctors need to be satisfied, supported, and see a hopeful future for themselves, or we may risk losing their talent and expertise altogether.

‘Achieving this requires modernising the current training system, so it meets the needs of doctors and patients. This is something that requires a concerted effort from the whole healthcare system to drive real change.

‘Efforts need to go further than they have previously, so I'm pleased to see these priorities reflected in the ambitions of the 10-year Health Plan for NHS England, as well as in equivalent strategies across Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.’

Last week it was revealed that there are now over 2,000 GPs employed through the ARRS scheme.