Factors relating to working hours restriction that have impacted the professional identity of trainees in the last decade

Abstract

Ever-developing changes to the working hours of junior doctors by the European Working Time Directive, the junior doctor contract of 2019 and most recently the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted the professional identity of doctors. There has been little investigation into its influence on the multifaceted aspects of postgraduate medical training, which feeds into how trainees consider themselves professionally and the concept of professional identity or ‘being a doctor’. A review of the medical, socio-political and educational literature reveals that the impact on the professional identity development of trainees is influenced by several perspectives from the trainee, trainer and the public. Gross reduction in working hours has no doubt decreased the raw volume of clinical experiences. However, to counteract this, smarter learning processes have evolved, including narrative reflection, supervised learning events, and a greater awareness of coaching and training among trainers.

Implications for paediatric training and workforce from pandemic disruptions: A view from a tertiary hospital

“…Accustomed to directly supervised practice and the traditional doctor apprenticeship model, 9 many of our participants struggled with working remotely and distanced teamwork. Classically, one of the integral roles of a junior doctor is that of the medical team and patient liaison 10 . As this and other responsibilities were increasingly shouldered by other members of the medical team, many of our junior doctors perceived their personal value and contribution to clinical care were diminished.…”

“…Classically, one of the integral roles of a junior doctor is that of the medical team and patient liaison. 10 As this and other responsibilities were increasingly shouldered by other members of the medical team, many of our junior doctors perceived their personal value and contribution to clinical care were diminished. Furthermore, many cited that the absent at‐elbow consultant made it difficult for them to find their place in the team and training trajectory.…”