Engaging junior doctors: evidence from "open spaces" in England

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Healthcare Management
• Leadership Studies

Background:

• Clinicians traditionally exhibit reluctance towards leadership roles, often perceiving them as managerial tasks.
• There is a need to foster leadership skills among junior doctors within the National Health Service (NHS).
• The Medical Leadership Competency Framework provides a structure for developing essential leadership skills.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify, develop, and reflect on the leadership and managerial skills of clinicians.
• To design, plan, organize, and deliver a learning session for Foundation Year 2 doctors on medical leadership.
• To introduce the concept of competent medical leadership within the NHS.

Main Methods:

• A two-hour workshop was designed and delivered using Open Space Technology.
• Foundation Year 2 doctors were engaged to explore the significance of leadership in their daily practice.
• The Medical Leadership Competency Framework was a central component of the learning session.

Main Results:

• The project successfully encouraged Foundation Year 2 doctors to consider their leadership potential in daily tasks.
• Participants were prompted to reflect on their roles and responsibilities as emerging medical leaders.
• The session fostered an environment for discussing leadership challenges and opportunities.

Conclusions:

• The delivery of the Open Space learning session demonstrated its potential for fostering leadership development among junior doctors.
• Such sessions can serve as valuable platforms for addressing complex issues and facilitating cultural shifts within the NHS.
• This initiative highlights the importance of proactive leadership training for clinicians to navigate significant organizational changes.