RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Measuring the working experience of doctors in training
JF Future Healthcare Journal
JO Future Healthc J
FD Royal College of Physicians
SP e17
OP e22
DO 10.7861/fhj.2020-0005
VO 7
IS 3
A1 Peter Hockey
A1 Rhema Vaithianathan
A1 Agnes Baeker
A1 Freddy Beer
A1 Amanda H Goodall
A1 Matt Hammerton
A1 Rosalind Jarvis
A1 Susannah Brock
A1 Larissa Lorimer
YR 2020
UL http://www.rcpjournals.org/content/7/3/e17.abstract
AB Using an online tool, we report the association between tasks and ‘affect’ (underlying experience of feeling, emotion or mood) among 565 doctors in training, how positive and negative emotional intensity are associated with time of day, the extent to which positive affect is associated with breaks, and consideration about leaving the profession. Respondents spent approximately 25% of their day on paperwork or clinical work that did not involve patients, resulting in more negative emotions. Positive emotions were expressed for breaks, staff meetings, research, learning and clinical tasks that involved patients. Those having considered leaving the profession report more negative feelings. Systematic workplace changes (regular breaks, reducing paperwork and improved IT systems) could contribute to positive workday experiences and reduce intention to quit. Educators and employers have important roles in recognising, advocating for and implementing improvements at work to enhance wellbeing with potential to improve retention of doctors in training.