Doctors’ wellbeing and experience of workplace transitions

Makri, Iliana (2020) Doctors’ wellbeing and experience of workplace transitions. PhD thesis, University of Liverpool.

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Abstract

There is evidence that transitions have a negative impact on wellbeing and have been associated with increased stress levels. However, research on doctors’ wellbeing during workplace transitions is limited. The aim of the current research was to gain insight into how doctors experience challenges during workplace transitions and identify actionable recommendations for improving doctors’ wellbeing in the workplace. In the first phase, a qualitative design using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was chosen to explore and provide insights into how doctors experience challenges during workplace transitions. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 doctors at different transition periods of their career. Four master themes portraying the participants’ experiences emerged: 1) Reality shock, 2) A Culture of silence and loneliness, 3) Tales of disappointed hopes, and 4) Hope and Survival. These findings are discussed in relation to relevant theories and research. In the second phase, two workshops using the Nominal Group Technique (NGT) and an online survey were conducted. The aim was to build upon and utilise the results of the qualitative study to identify strategies that could ease workplace transitions and enhance wellbeing in the workplace. The NGT was used in the context of a focus group involving experts in the field (n = 10) while an online survey (n = 80) was open to doctors of all grades. The NGT workshops and the survey achieved a consensus on the most important strategies for improving doctors’ wellbeing. Flexible working, a safe space for reflection, positive and constructive feedback, and rota re-design have emerged as important themes. Overall, strong and supportive working relationships, as well as a degree of control over their role, could enhance doctors’ wellbeing during workplace transitions. From an organisational perspective, structures and processes challenging negative views and stigma around mental wellbeing are critical for managing doctors’ wellbeing effectively.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Divisions:	Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	15 Jan 2021 16:41
Last Modified:	18 Jan 2023 23:31
DOI:	10.17638/03102736
Supervisors:	Byrne, Paula Kiemle, Gundi Jha, Vikram
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3102736