Sammy Arab, Karanjot Chhatwal, Thomas Hargreaves, Michela Sorbini, Sara El-Toukhy, Chiara J Vedi, Yusuf Alghabra, Jude Merzah, Stuart D Rosen
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background: Resident Doctors (RDs) in the UK must balance clinical training with non-clinical administrative tasks. Concerns increase over how these tasks impact their professional development, job satisfaction, and patient care. The shift toward consultant-delivered care has led to a redistribution of responsibilities, increasing administrative burden on RDs. This study aims to quantify how RDs allocate time between patient-facing and non-patient-facing tasks and assess impact on job satisfaction.
Methods: The Time Allocation in Clinical Training (TACT) study is a multicentre, observational cohort study conducted over seven months (January-July 2024) at secondary NHS centres. 137 RDs, from Foundation Year 1 to Specialty Training Year 8, were observed for four-hour periods, with time tracked using stopwatches for five task categories. An optional survey assessed job satisfaction, rated on a five-point Likert scale.
Results: RDs spent 73.0% of their time on non-patient-facing tasks, and 17.9% on patient-facing activities. Women spent more time on non-patient-facing tasks compared to men (75.0% vs. 69.9%, p = 0.03). Junior RDs (Foundation years and Core trainees) spent significantly less time on patient-facing tasks compared to senior RDs (ST6-8) (38.4% vs 17.8%; p = 0.004). Most RDs (62%) reported dissatisfaction with the administrative burden. Electronic health record users spent significantly more time on administrative tasks than paper-based record users (44.1% vs 37.3%; p = 0.02).
Conclusions: The study reveals a significant imbalance between clinical and administrative tasks, with excessive administrative workload contributing to RD dissatisfaction. Streamlining administrative duties and integrating digital solutions is crucial for improving job satisfaction, clinical development, and healthcare delivery in the NHS.
期刊介绍:
QJM, a renowned and reputable general medical journal, has been a prominent source of knowledge in the field of internal medicine. With a steadfast commitment to advancing medical science and practice, it features a selection of rigorously reviewed articles.
Released on a monthly basis, QJM encompasses a wide range of article types. These include original papers that contribute innovative research, editorials that offer expert opinions, and reviews that provide comprehensive analyses of specific topics. The journal also presents commentary papers aimed at initiating discussions on controversial subjects and allocates a dedicated section for reader correspondence.
In summary, QJM's reputable standing stems from its enduring presence in the medical community, consistent publication schedule, and diverse range of content designed to inform and engage readers.