When Two Worlds Collide

Abstract

This paper outlines and discusses issues arising from a specific evaluation project. The project brief was to conduct a communications audit of a UK National Health Service trust hospital, focusing particularly upon the interface between junior doctors and other professional groups within the hospital. The experience of conducting the research and operating as management evaluators within a medical research environment is also discussed. The stages and mechanics of designing, conducting and reporting the research are outlined. Apart from the political issues, there are several challenges involved in undertaking non-medical research in a medical setting where the work environment is only slowly coming to terms with adapting a more managerial philosophy whilst being, traditionally, hostile to managerialism. These issues are discussed, the perspectives of the team members (both hospital based and university based) are explored and learning points for future projects are outlined.