Exploring the literature on the award gap between international and UK medical graduates in general practice training: a scoping review protocol

BACKGROUND: International medical graduates (IMGs) currently account for 41% of the UK medical workforce. IMGs in training posts face challenges in progression including a significant 'award gap' (previously differential attainment) in postgraduate training compared with UK medical graduates. General practice is disproportionately impacted by these issues as more than 50% of GP trainees are IMGs. Previous studies focusing on educational interventions to reduce the award gap have failed to improve training outcomes. AIM: To identify literature addressing the factors underlying the award gap. DESIGN & SETTING: The scoping review will follow the process outlined in the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidance using the PCC (population, concept, context) framework. Input was sought from a specialist librarian, patient and public contributors, stakeholders with lived experience of working as an IMG, and experts in the research field. Studies eligible for inclusion will be those reporting educational outcomes (concept) for IMGs (participants) undertaking UK GP training (context). METHOD: Searches will be conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and PsycInfo for articles reporting educational outcomes for IMGs in UK GP training. A two-step screening process will be employed to identify eligible articles. Analysis will involve basic descriptive statistics reporting the number and type of evidence sources. Reporting of the data will be in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist and will include visual representations of findings including graphs and figures developed with stakeholders and patient and public involvement (PPI) group members. CONCLUSION: By exploring the literature that reports the factors underlying the award gap in GP training we will identify areas for further research.