GP practices taking on registrars are collectively losing millions each year, with the supervision of a trainee in their first term costing more than $52,000, a new study suggests.

The cost–revenue analysis was done to assess the sustainability of GP supervision.

Researchers from the University of Adelaide and the regional training provider GPEx  surveyed 238 supervisors and 142 practice managers to document costs and time spent supporting registrars through the GP training program.

They examined the financial impact of training demands, including orientation activities, teaching schedules and administrative costs, as well as accreditation and opportunity costs.