Introduction (5 minutes)
Good morning/afternoon, my name is Angela Carter/Colin O’Keeffe and Suzanne Mason and we are researchers working on the EDiT study. Many thanks for your interest in this work.
I hope you will have seen the information sheet about the study. If not here is another copy. If you are happy to take part in this discussion I would be grateful if you could sign the consent form.
This is one of a planned series of focus groups and interviews to discuss with those involved in foundation training tofind out what it is like to do this work and training and what contributes to a successful learning experience. The aim of the project is to appreciate the things that contribute to effective training and how this may be implemented elsewhere. We are interested in your ideas of how this training can be done in the best way; in particular what motivates you and gives you confidence when working with patients.
This is a supportive study; no one is here to criticise what you do. We will examine issues today and ask for your suggestions that will be put in ourfinal report. Anything that you say to us today will be treated in confidence and NO individual will be identified. Identities will be protected and individuals will not be named. Further, no feedback will be given to anyone in the trust or other organisations about what we discuss today. The study will conclude next year and thefindings will be made available.
It is intended that we work together for 55 minutes. Are you happy to continue? Let anyone leave who is not happy to contribute to the study. (5 minutes)
Start of group
First establish that the group are people who are FY2 doctors.
1. Think of an experience of working practice that gives you confidence in your competence to deliver good patient care.
Can you write down (for a few minutes keeping this to yourself) the things that give you confidence
Individual working for three or four minutes on successful and unsuccessful events. (5 minutes) 1a. What gives you confidence?
1b. What helps you feel competent?
Site no. Group:
Go round the group recording material on aflip chart exploring comments for specific detail. (10 minutes) (20 minutes)
2. Think about when youfinish a shift–what are the things that you worry about/keep you awake?
Can you write down (for a few minutes keeping this to yourself) the things that give you confidence
Individual working for three or four minutes on successful and unsuccessful events. (3 minutes) Go round the group recording material on aflip chart exploring comments for specific detail and differences. (15 minutes)
Prompts: What clinical support do you get in your training? Who is this from (fellow doctors, nursing staff, AHPs)? What part does the formal assessment play in your training?
(35 minutes to here)
3. What could be done to improve your work experience as an FY2 doctor in the ED?
Can you write down (for a few minutes keeping this to yourself) the things that give you confidence
Individual working for three or four minutes on successful and unsuccessful events. (3 minutes) Go round the group to get out ideas (encourage a debate and workable solutions looking for the resources that will be required). (15 minutes)
Consider length of attachment, supervision, order of placements; assessments, size of department, number of trainees; shifts; mentors; pressure of working environment; feedback on work performance.
(50 minutes to here)
4. We are keen to use a questionnaire to examine the issues the next intake of FY2s have in more detail–this would be at the beginning, middle and end of placements–do you think this is feasible and in what format would you best like to receive it–electronic via email, paper, other? (7 minutes) (57 minutes to here)
Conclusion
We have reached the end of our time now and would like to thank you for your participation. Many thanks for your time. A copy of the Executive Summary of our report will be made available to all who have participated in this study. (3 minutes)
Appendix 10
Letter of invitation to foundation
year 2 doctors for participation in phase 1 focus groups
D
istributed at deanery training event. Dear Sir/Madam,Title of project: The EDiT Study: Evaluation of Doctors in Training (Phase 1: consultation and scoping study)
I am writing to ask if you would kindly consider taking part in a focus group for a national research study, evaluating your experiences as a foundation year 2 (FY2) doctor and how this impacts on your well-being, motivation and confidence. I am contacting you with the permission of the deanery and foundation school which organises your FY2 programme.
The study will last for 5 months and includes work in four deaneries in England. Focus group discussions with interested FY2 doctors are planned in each of the four deaneries.
I am attaching some further information about the research and what agreeing to take part in the focus groups may involve for you. I would be grateful if you could read this carefully. I hope this is clear but if you have any further questions please contact the project manager Colin O’Keeffe.
If after reading the information leaflet and discussing this with others you feel happy to participate then please email the project manager (see above) who will then contact you about taking part. If you do not feel as if you want to be involved in the study then thank you for your time and you will not be contacted again.
Yours sincerely Signed