scholarly journals A qualitative study exploring the experience of the Medical Intern Programme: Supportive transition for international doctors working in the NHS

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacqueline F Lavallee ◽  
Silke Conen ◽  
Doug R Corfield ◽  
John Howells ◽  
Mark Pugh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Medical Graduates ◽  
The North ◽  
Interview Guide ◽  
Shortage Of Doctors ◽  
Pros And Cons ◽  
Set Up ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Medical Intern

Background: The UK is experiencing a shortage of doctors. Consequently, the Medical Intern Programme, a unique two year programme consisting of an observership, four clinical rotations at the level of a foundation doctor within an NHS Trust and a postgraduate diploma from a university in the north of England, was set up to enhance the NHS workforce by facilitating the entry of international medical graduates into UK medicine via a supported transitional programme. We aimed to explore the experiences of the doctors enrolled on the Medical Intern Programme. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted via the telephone with seven doctors enrolled on the programme. The interview guide was informed by the research questions and data were analysed using a thematic analysis. Results: We identified four themes that were important in the experiences of the doctors: preparing to work in the UK, feeling supported, weighing up the pros and cons of the programme and comparisons between countries. Conclusions: The Medical Intern Programme successfully facilitated international doctors' transition to the UK and working in the NHS. Support needs to be provided at the organisational, team and individual level including a period of observing and shadowing to enable the doctors to understand the systems and multidisciplinary team working in the NHS.

scholarly journals Achieving radical change

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 428-455 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noel Hyndman ◽  
Mariannunziata Liguori
Keyword(s):  
Performance Management ◽  
Radical Change ◽  
Practice Variation ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Incremental Change ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Perceived Outcomes

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to focus on strategies and “spoken discourses” used to construct legitimation around change at the individual level. Comparing changes in financial accounting, budgeting and performance management at two government levels (Westminster and Scotland), it explores the use of legitimation strategies in the implementation of accounting change and its perceived outcomes. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on semi-structured interviews, six legitimation/delegitimation strategies are used to code the transcribed data. Patterns with the perceived outcomes of change are explored. Findings Changes introduced to enhance “rational” decision making are often received as pushed by some source of authority. Regardless of the interviewees’ background and level, the results suggest that for radical accounting change to embed, it is necessary for it to be perceived as rational, rather than merely driven by authorisation-based pressures. Conversely, incremental change is associated with modest legitimation via rationalisation and delegitimation based on pathos and rationalisation. Research limitations/implications The study deals with actors’ legitimation strategies and perceptions of change. These may not correspond to actual substantial change. Taken-for-granted ideas often remain “under the radar”, therefore care must be taken in interpreting the results. The focus of the empirical study is on the UK, therefore conclusions are restricted to this context. Originality/value Existing studies struggle to explain organisations’ heterogeneity and practice variation; this study sheds light on how individual legitimation, which may lead to different organisational results, occurs. Differences in how actors interpret changes may be based on their position (central vs devolved administration) and on their ownership of the changes.

scholarly journals Experiences of support from primary care and perceived needs of parents bereaved by suicide: a qualitative study

2020 ◽  
Vol 70 (691) ◽  
pp. e102-e110 ◽  
Author(s):  
Verity Wainwright ◽  
Lis Cordingley ◽  
Carolyn A Chew-Graham ◽  
Nav Kapur ◽  
Jenny Shaw ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
General Practice ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Support Needs ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Perceived Needs ◽  
The North ◽  
Suicide Bereavement ◽  
Additional Support ◽  
The Uk

BackgroundPeople bereaved by suicide are a vulnerable group, also at risk of dying by suicide. The importance of postvention support (intervention after suicide) has recently been highlighted; however, little is known about the support needs of parents bereaved by suicide in the UK, and the role played by general practice.AimTo explore the perspectives, experiences, and support needs of parents bereaved by suicide.Design and settingThis was a qualitative study, with semi-structured interviews conducted between 2012 and 2014 in the north of England and the Midlands, with parents bereaved by their son or daughter’s suicide.MethodInterviews explored parents’ experiences of suicide bereavement following the death of their son or daughter, with a focus on their experiences of support from primary care. Interviews were analysed thematically using constant comparison.ResultsTwenty-three interviews were conducted. Three themes were identified from the data: the importance of not feeling alone; perceived barriers to accessing support; and the need for signposting for additional support. Some parents reported having experienced good support from their general practice; others described a number of barriers to accessing help, including triage processes. Primary care was considered to be an important avenue of support but GPs were often perceived as uncertain how to respond. The need for information, signposting to avenues of support, and the helpfulness of group support were also highlighted.ConclusionParents believed it was important that people working in general practice have an awareness of suicide bereavement and understanding of their needs, including knowledge of where to direct people for further support.

scholarly journals “How can you be allergic to peas?” – A qualitative study to explore food handler’s knowledge, attitudes and understanding of food allergens

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-24
Author(s):  
David Allen ◽  
Graeme Mitchell ◽  
Michael Pascucilla
Keyword(s):  
Learning Styles ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Food Allergies ◽  
Food Allergens ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
North West ◽  
The North ◽  
Training Programmes ◽  
The Uk

AbstractIt is clear that there is an increasing proportion of the United Kingdom (UK) population who are suffering with food allergies and this combined with an increase in the frequency of eating away from home (where there is less control over the content of food) poses a significant risk. In December 2014, the European Union (EU) introduced legislation which aimed to ensure that customers with food allergens could make informed choices and safely consume food, without the risk of a potentially life-threatening reaction. The research used semi-structured interviews with staff from a BCB, located in the North West of the UK, as the aim of the research was to explore food handlers’ knowledge, attitudes and understanding of food allergens. The findings of the semi-structured interviews identified five themes: E-learning training programmes: the staff felt that these were ineffective and did not take into account individual learning styles. Responsibility: there is a lack of clarity as to who is responsible, with staff believing the key responsibility lies with the customer. Communication: similarly, communication, both within the kitchen and within the company was not clear and likely to give rise to confusion. Need to make a profit: the staff felt that the drive for profit meant that customer safety was being compromised, especially when staff numbers were reduced. Staff awareness: the staff felt confident in their own ability to prepare a safe meal but indicated that staff may be dismissive towards claims of allergen sufferers. In conclusion, these themes illustrate that a significant risk exists for allergen suffers, who rely upon the knowledge, attitudes and understanding of BCB staff to ensure their meals are safely prepared.

scholarly journals Step-free railway station access in the UK: the value of inclusive design

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Antony Swift ◽  
Long Cheng ◽  
Becky P. Y. Loo ◽  
Mengqiu Cao ◽  
Frank Witlox
Keyword(s):  
Disabled Persons ◽  
Free Access ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Railway Station ◽  
Railway Stations ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Substantial Investment ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Reduced Mobility

Abstract Background Despite substantial investment in step-free access at UK railway stations, persons with reduced mobility (PRMs) continue to travel less than their able-bodied counterparts and little is known about the value of step-free access. This research examines the benefits of step-free access and its relationship with rail usage among PRMs, and the wider benefits of railway station accessibility. Methods These issues are explored through a mixed methods approach. Semi-structured interviews with ten key organisations were undertaken, as was an analysis of Senior/Disabled Persons Railcard data from 17 railway stations in Buckinghamshire, each with varying levels of step-free accessibility. Results The results show that the benefits of step-free access extend beyond benefits at the individual level typically associated with those limited to PRMs, and demonstrate the potential to positively affect the society at large economically, environmentally, and socially. The findings also show a positive correlation between the level of step-free accessibility at a railway station and the percentage of PRMs using it. Conclusions This research argues that government and interested stakeholders should commit to expanding the number and coverage of step-free stations throughout the UK. They should ensure that the appraisal process for investment in step-free accessibility appropriately captures both user and non-user benefits.

scholarly journals Tourism in the post(?) COVID-19 era: evidence from the hotel sector in the North East of England

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Zoi Spanaki ◽  
Andreas Papatheodorou ◽  
Nikolaos Pappas
Keyword(s):  
Business Practices ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
North East ◽  
The North ◽  
Short Period ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
Hotel Sector ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Hotel Managers

Purpose This paper aims to examine developments in tourism during the COVID-19 pandemic using the hotel sector in the North-East of England as the area of study. The country has attracted a lot of attention not only because of its importance as a tourism destination but also due to its rather controversial management of the pandemic at least in its early stages. Design/methodology/approach Fifteen semi-structured interviews based on ten open-ended questions were conducted with North East of England-based hotel managers of international brands on the level of their hotels’ preparedness to effectively deal with pandemic cases. The interviews took place in August and September 2020 with participants kept anonymous. Findings Meeting new operational and bureaucratic requirements added to the cost structure and proved a major challenge for managers who saw their hotel occupancy rates and revenue collapsing within a short period of time. Innovative and aggressive pricing strategies were introduced to lure especially younger travelers in the absence of business clientele. Staff were made redundant and/or asked to work overtime making effective human resource management very difficult. Originality/value This is one of the first research attempts to highlight the importance of the COVID-19 pandemic for the hotel sector in a major region of the UK. The paper also attempts some generalization by discussing managerial implications and suggesting a possible way forward for the hotel sector. Developing resilience by building on previously used successful business practices proves of essence.

scholarly journals A phenomenological exploration of the lived experiences of orthopaedic surgeons during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 103 (5) ◽  
pp. 248-253
Author(s):  
SJ Calder ◽  
L Lawson ◽  
PR Calder
Keyword(s):  
Peer Support ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Phenomenological Approach ◽  
Trauma Centre ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Orthopaedic Surgeons ◽  
The North ◽  
Difficult Time ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

INTRODUCTION Following the UK government ordering a hard stop of all elective operating within the NHS in March of 2020, the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital was converted into a trauma centre serving the North Central London region and neighbouring trusts. The aim of this study was to explore the impact on the surgeons’ well-being and performance during this stressful time. METHODOLOGY A descriptive phenomenological approach was used for this study. Eight participants were purposefully selected and informed consent was given by each participant. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken using open questions and probes to stimulate discussion. Colaizzi’s 7 step framework for thematic analysis was used to identify codes and common themes. RESULTS Five main themes were identified. These included: the impact of fear, fear of using personal protective equipment, stress relating to leadership and professionalism of the surgeon, the need for peer support and response to change. CONCLUSIONS This study confirms common areas of concern and anxiety raised by all the surgeons interviewed. The participants developed several coping strategies, including peer support, which has previously been identified as the most important approach in dealing with difficult circumstances. Stress relating to the need for surgical leadership, demonstrated by the rapid organisation of the hospital from a purely elective site to a trauma centre is highlighted. What was apparent from the narratives of the participants was that despite the stress and anxiety felt by them, they remained humble and proud to remain as orthopaedic surgeons treating patients during this difficult time.

scholarly journals Living life in limbo: experiences of healthcare professionals during the HCPC fitness to practice investigation process in the UK

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jill Maben ◽  
Linda Hoinville ◽  
Dawn Querstret ◽  
Cath Taylor ◽  
Magdalena Zasada ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Framework Analysis ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Healthcare Settings ◽  
Lack Of Information ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Investigation Process

Abstract Background It is the responsibility of healthcare regulators to ensure healthcare professionals remain fit for practice in healthcare settings. If there are concerns about an individual healthcare professional they may undergo a fitness to practice investigation. This process is known to be hugely stressful for doctors and social workers, but little is known about the impact of this experience on other professions. This study explores the experiences of registrants going through the process of being reported to the UK’s Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and attending fitness to practice (FTP) hearings. We discuss the implications of this process on registrants’ wellbeing and, from our findings, present recommendations based on registrants experiences. In doing so we articulate the structural processes of the HCPC FTP process and the impact this has on individuals. Methods This study uses semi-structured interviews and framework analysis to explore the experiences of 15 registrants who had completed the FTP process. Participants were sampled for maximum variation and were selected to reflect the range of possible processes and outcomes through the FTP process. Results The psychological impact of undergoing a FTP process was significant for the majority of participants. Their stories described influences on their wellbeing at both a macro (institutional/organisational) and micro (individual) level. A lack of information, long length of time for the process and poor support avenues were macro factors impacting on the ability of registrants to cope with their experiences (theme 1). These macro factors led to feelings of powerlessness, vulnerability and threat of ruin for many registrants (theme 2). Suggested improvements (theme 3) included better psychological support (e.g. signposting or provision); proportional processes to the incident (e.g. mediation instead of hearings); and taking context into account. Conclusions Findings suggest that improvements to both the structure and conduct of the FTP process are warranted. Implementation of better signposting for support both during and after a FTP process may improve psychological wellbeing. There may also be value in considering alternative ways of organising the FTP process to enable greater consideration of and flexibility for registrants’ context and how they are investigated.

scholarly journals North and South: A Regional Model of the UK

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Minford ◽  
Yue Gai ◽  
David Meenagh
Keyword(s):  
Regulatory Reform ◽  
Regional Model ◽  
Political Agenda ◽  
The South ◽  
Empirical Results ◽  
The North ◽  
Long Run ◽  
Set Up ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Tax Cuts

AbstractWe set up a two-region model to study the policy challenge of bringing the North’s income up to the level of the South in the UK. The model focuses on labour costs as the driver of output gains through the international competitiveness channel; and on tax/regulative costs to entrepreneurs as the driver of productivity growth. The empirical results show that the regional model behaviour fits the regional UK data behaviour over the period of 1986Q1 and 2019Q4, using the demanding Indirect Inference method. We also carry out a Monte Carlo power test, which shows the empirical results we obtain are trustworthy and can provide us a reliable guide for policy reform. The results suggest that in response to tax cuts and labour market reforms GDP in the North increases almost twice as much as GDP in the South. Given that a broad programme of tax cuts and regulatory reform would more than pay for itself in the long run, it must be considered as a highly attractive political agenda.

scholarly journals Paradise regained: older adult rock climbers turning space into place in the natural environment

Envigogika ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Hickman ◽  
Colin Beard ◽  
Alison Inkster
Keyword(s):  
Older Adult ◽  
Natural Environment ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Ageing Population ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
North West ◽  
The North ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Oral Testimony ◽  
The Uk

At the time of writing there are over 10 million people aged over 65 living in the UK, and by 2050 the number is predicted to rise to 19 million. This expansion of the ageing population is mirrored worldwide, and over the past ten years has stimulated a growth in age-related studies. However, the idea of a social gerontology of the outdoors is yet to take root. Yet, with the maturing of those born between the years 1946 and 1964, and increased participation in adventurous activities, we suggest that the time is right for scholarship in this specific direction. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to discover how older adult rock climbers perceived their relationship with the natural environment to have changed over the period of their involvement with rock climbing. The investigation used a purposive sample of rock climbers in the north-west of England (n=10) aged between 65 and 74 years (av=69.6) identifying them as ‘young-old’ adults. Oral testimony was collected over two phases, the first with interview-questionnaires, and the second with targeted semi-structured interviews. In order to give a clear voice to participants, manual data handling using was used to establish raw data that were then sorted into themes and verified against internal and external checkers. These were then organized around Peace, Wahl, Mollenkopf and Oswald’s (2014) concept of an ‘environment’ considered within three dimensions: the physical/material, including the natural landscape; the psychological, and the meaning attributed to the place, its evolution across the life course, and how it makes people feel about themselves; and the social/cultural, involving the engagement of people to places, including how the space is used and remembered.

Factors Driving Firms from Emerging Countries into the Global Market

2020 ◽  
pp. 1175-1192
Author(s):  
Rose Quan ◽  
Zhibin Lin
Keyword(s):  
Global Market ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
North East ◽  
The North ◽  
Business Operations ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Entrepreneurial Factors

The purpose of this chapter is to identify the key factors that explain the decision of Chinese small and medium sized enterprises' (CSMEs) investment into the North East of England. The authors conducted 23 semi-structured interviews with key decision makers of Chinese SMEs that have business operations in the North East of England. It has been found that there are four major categories of factors that drive Chinese SMEs' investment into the North East of England: 1) resource-based factors; 2) home and host institutional factors; 3) network factors; and 4) international entrepreneurial factors. The findings have policy implications for both the governments of the UK and China, as well as managerial implications for future Chinese investors. This chapter provides fresh explanation of Chinese SMEs' investment into a developed economy.

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