Dr Seema Pattni looks to redefine the ‘slow’ GP label to one that values communication and attentiveness in a system that doesn’t always allow for it
Many GPs identify as ‘slow,’ but the negative associations of being a ‘slow’ GP need to change. The daily reality of being a slow GP is hard: over-running clinics, staying late at work, fatigue and frustration. You carry an unshakable heaviness of not being enough. Not just fast enough, but not good enough either. You are constantly trying to catch up with a workload that is continually topped up. All this weighs you down, and you end up feeling overwhelmed, stuck and burnt out.
As a trainee GP, you are often told that you need to be faster, more efficient and more resilient. This advice, while usually well meaning, adds pressure, and amplifies the constant inner voice detailing how inadequate you are.
Being a slow GP has multiple dimensions. I previously wrote about it being a gendered issue, with a wide evidence base demonstrating an imbalance in workload distribution, skewed towards female GPs having a larger workload. But, being slow is a label that can be felt by anyone. And one that I believe does not have to be negative.
The multi-dimensional slow GP
In the GP world of soaring demand, high expectations and enormous workload, speed is of the essence and the true value of a slow GP tends to be overlooked.
Slow GPs excel in thoughtfulness and empathy. They take longer because they listen deeply. They listen to understand; not just to respond – and the patient feels heard. Not only is this a therapeutic intervention in itself, but it also leads to better patient satisfaction and outcomes.
Slow GPs are conscientious. They are thorough and careful in: history taking; examination; referrals; prescriptions; record keeping; coding; and reviewing results and documents. This takes time but also reduces clinical error and medicolegal consequences, improving patient safety. A high proportion of patient complaints revolve around doctors’ communication: tone; pitch; speed; as well as choice of words (paralanguage.) Communicating deliberately and thoughtfully cannot be rushed.
Slow GPs are reflective and usually receptive to feedback and improving their performance at work. It is skilful to be efficient, but not at the expense of being an attentive and holistic practitioner, or losing your values.
The values conflict
Being slow, or rather thoughtful and thorough, enables many GPs to work in alignment with their values of compassion and care. This increases career satisfaction because when we work in line with our values we feel drive, purpose and fulfilment.
However, in the daily reality of general practice, speed naturally becomes a major metric of performance, and the qualities of a slow GP are underrated. Consequently, slow GPs continue working in overburdened environments which do not appreciate their strengths. Or, they change the way they practise and suppress their values. This decreases career satisfaction and also causes cognitive dissonance and burnout.
Redefining the slow GP
It is usually at this point, that as a careers coach, I meet slow GPs. Doctors who feel stuck and lost. Doctors who feel confused about why the career they thought was their calling, the career they have worked so hard towards, is creating so much distress and unhappiness.
And it is at this point, that we work on recognising the true value of being slow; redefining and reframing this skill set as a positive attribute, rather than bearing it as a burden. We work on understanding that it is often the systems and environment that we work in which are inefficient, not us. We work on accepting that it’s not such a bad thing to be slow.
It takes time and commitment to overcome limiting beliefs, and to detangle the negative narratives internalised through working in general practice. But it is worthwhile; it delivers renewed confidence and clarity.
The balancing act
Evaluating how we prioritise, delegate and manage time is important too. But doing this and working in accordance with your values can be challenging. There is a balance, and the tipping point towards burnout varies for each of us. Being able to recognise when you are near this tipping point is essential to burnout prevention.
Moving forward as a ‘slow’ GP
Acknowledging your worth as a ‘slow’ GP provides fresh perspective. You will be able to better identify practice teams which have the capacity to support you and your career progression. You will also realise that as a ‘slow’ GP you have a wealth of skills which position you well for portfolio and alternative careers.
The number of GPs pivoting careers is increasing and the uncertainty this creates for general practice is an ongoing concern. Something that is certain though, is that more and more GPs are redefining themselves, their pace and their work.
Dr Seema Pattni is a GP and careers coach for female doctors. Click here to find out more.
Once told a crowded Waiting Room ”I shall see every single one of you, even if it takes me ’til midnight