Abstract:
Background: Junior doctors and medical students are an important part of the healthcare
ecosystem, but experience high rates of psychological distress and burnout, with implications
for their wellbeing, patient care, and the sustainability of the workforce. Learning and
applying appropriate psychological skills may help support these individuals and the
populations they interact with.
Aim: This study was designed to explore the psychological health and perspectives of
medical students and junior doctors to better understand their needs, experience of and
willingness to engage with psychological skill development. Barriers, facilitators and desired
outcomes of psychological skill training were sought.
Method: A mixed method design involving a cross-sectional online survey and a series of
qualitative interviews was employed. 116 junior doctors and medical students completed
measures of psychological health and a Barriers, Facilitators and Desired Outcomes
Questionnaire (BFOQ), which was purpose-built to gauge interest in psychological training.
For qualitative data, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 participants,
exploring their perspectives on psychological skill development using the Framework
Method of thematic analysis.
Results: ANOVAs on BFOQ responses identified adaptability and compassion as the most
desirable skills, while environmental and institutional factors were the most salient.
Qualitative analysis foregrounded the impact of discouraging clinical hierarchies and innate
systemic pressures, along with patient care as a motivation for psychological development.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy compassion-based techniques were well received, but
there was generally a narrow understanding of what psychological skill training might
encompass.
Conclusion: Psychological frameworks can provide these populations with the intrapersonal
skills needed to navigate the often overwhelming and increasingly complex demands of the
clinical learning and practice environment, with implications for the wellbeing and
sustainability of the medical workforce.
