Study protocol - Ascertaining the career Intentions of UK Medical Students (AIMS) post-graduation: a cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Background Among doctors in the United Kingdom, there is growing sentiment regarding delaying specialist training, emigrating to practice medicine abroad, or leaving the profession altogether. This may have significant implications for the future of the profession in the UK. The extent to which this sentiment is also present in the medical student population is unknown. Methods The AIMS study is a national, multi-institution, cross-sectional study of all medical students at all medical schools in the United Kingdom. It will be administered via an online questionnaire and disseminated through a collaborative network recruited for this purpose. Our primary outcome is to determine current medical students’ career intentions after graduation and upon completing the Foundation Programme, and to establish the motivations behind these intentions. Secondary outcomes include determining which, if any, demographic factors alter the propensity to pursue different career paths available to a medical graduate, determining which specialties medical students plan on pursuing and understanding current views on the prospect of working in the National Health Service (NHS). Both quantitative analysis and thematic analysis will be used. Discussion Doctors’ career satisfaction within the NHS is a well-researched topic, however, there is a shortage of high-powered studies able to offer insight into medical students’ outlook on their future careers. It is anticipated that the results from this study will bring clarity to this issue. Identified areas of improvement in medical training or within the NHS could be targeted to improve doctors' working conditions and help retain medical graduates. Results may also aid future workforce planning efforts. Trial Registration: Not Applicable.