Projects per year
Abstract
Background:
Staff retention in Emergency Medicine (EM) is at crisis level and could be attributed in some part to adverse working conditions. This study aimed to better understand current concerns relating to working conditions and working practices in Emergency Departments (EDs).
Methods:
A qualitative approach was taken, using focus groups with ED staff (doctors, nurses, advanced care practitioners) of all grades, seniority and professional backgrounds from across the UK. Snowball recruitment was undertaken using social media and Royal College of Emergency Medicine communication channels. Focus groups were conducted online and organised by profession. A semi structured topic guide was used to explore difficulties in the work environment, impact of these difficulties, barriers and priorities for change. Data were analysed using a directive content analysis to identify common themes.
Results:
Of the 116 clinical staff who completed the eligibility and consent forms, 46 met criteria and consented, of those, 33 participants took part. Participants were predominantly White British (85%), female (73%) and doctors (61%). Four key themes were generated: ‘culture of blame and negativity’, ‘Untenable working environments’, ‘compromised leadership’ and ‘striving for support’. Data pertaining to barriers and opportunities for change were identified as sub-themes. In particular, strong leadership emerged as a key driver of change across all aspects of working practices.
Conclusion:
This study identified four key themes related to workplace concerns and their associated barriers and opportunities for change. Culture, working environment and need for support echoed current narratives across healthcare settings. Leadership emerged more prominently than in prior studies as both a barrier and opportunity for wellbeing and retention in the EM workplace. Further work is needed to develop leadership skills early on in clinical training, provide protected time and opportunity to refine leadership skills and a clear pathway to address higher levels of management.
Staff retention in Emergency Medicine (EM) is at crisis level and could be attributed in some part to adverse working conditions. This study aimed to better understand current concerns relating to working conditions and working practices in Emergency Departments (EDs).
Methods:
A qualitative approach was taken, using focus groups with ED staff (doctors, nurses, advanced care practitioners) of all grades, seniority and professional backgrounds from across the UK. Snowball recruitment was undertaken using social media and Royal College of Emergency Medicine communication channels. Focus groups were conducted online and organised by profession. A semi structured topic guide was used to explore difficulties in the work environment, impact of these difficulties, barriers and priorities for change. Data were analysed using a directive content analysis to identify common themes.
Results:
Of the 116 clinical staff who completed the eligibility and consent forms, 46 met criteria and consented, of those, 33 participants took part. Participants were predominantly White British (85%), female (73%) and doctors (61%). Four key themes were generated: ‘culture of blame and negativity’, ‘Untenable working environments’, ‘compromised leadership’ and ‘striving for support’. Data pertaining to barriers and opportunities for change were identified as sub-themes. In particular, strong leadership emerged as a key driver of change across all aspects of working practices.
Conclusion:
This study identified four key themes related to workplace concerns and their associated barriers and opportunities for change. Culture, working environment and need for support echoed current narratives across healthcare settings. Leadership emerged more prominently than in prior studies as both a barrier and opportunity for wellbeing and retention in the EM workplace. Further work is needed to develop leadership skills early on in clinical training, provide protected time and opportunity to refine leadership skills and a clear pathway to address higher levels of management.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Emergency medicine journal : EMJ |
| Early online date | 9 Jan 2024 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 9 Jan 2024 |
Bibliographical note
Data availability statement Data are available upon reasonable request. Requests go to the corresponding author - Jo Daniels ([email protected], University of Bath, UK). De-identified participant data can be made available upon reasonable request.Fingerprint
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UKRI Policy Fellowship - DHSC workforce
Daniels, J. (PI), Daniels, J. (PI) & Daniels, J. (PI)
22/01/24 → 21/07/25
Project: Research council
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Defining the treatment needs and preferences for traumatic stress in doctors: COVID-19 clinicians cohort (CoCCo) study.
Daniels, J. (PI)
15/01/21 → 14/10/21
Project: Central government, health and local authorities