Why our doctors are leaving Irish emergency medicine training

In recent years, attrition from Emergency Medicine (EM) training in Ireland has increased. Australian data illustrates that increasing numbers of Irish-trained doctors are embarking on EM training in Australia. This has implications for EM in Ireland, particularly for Emergency Departments already under strain. An adequate supply of qualified specialist EM doctors is essential to provide high-quality patient care.

The aim of this study is to gain insights into the reasons for attrition from EM training in Ireland.

EM trainees who exited EM training in Ireland 2011-2016 were invited to complete a survey which included quantitative and free-text questions.

Of 43 doctors who had exited EM training, 71% responded and although some respondents spoke positively about the speciality, overall, their feedback illustrated levels of frustration and dissatisfaction with EM training in Ireland. Respondents exited their EM training programme due to a lack of training received, despite being formally registered on an Irish EM training scheme. The other factors raised included dissatisfaction with the general working conditions in EM in Ireland with respondents highlighting heavy workloads, high work intensity, stress, staff shortages, and poor work-life balance.

Our findings indicate the need to improve training and working conditions in Emergency Medicine in Ireland. These improvements are necessary to reduce attrition and improve retention of EM staff.