Junior-to-junior research interviews as method for clinical practitioner-researchers

Area of Science:

• Health Professions Education
• Qualitative Research Methodology
• Medical Sociology

Background:

• Trainee health professionals often lack dedicated research training.
• Understanding the nuances of healthcare work contexts is crucial for professional development.
• Existing research methods may not fully capture the experiences of junior practitioners.

Purpose of the Study:

• To advocate for the use of junior-to-junior qualitative interviews as a research method.
• To demonstrate the utility and adaptability of this peer-interview approach.
• To provide guidance on academic and ethical considerations for this method.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative research design utilizing peer interviews.
• Junior-to-junior interviews conducted by trainee health professionals with their colleagues.
• Vignette-based illustration using authors' experiences as junior doctors.

Main Results:

• Junior-to-junior interviews yield unique and valuable data on work contexts.
• The method is flexible and applicable across various clinical disciplines.
• Identified key academic considerations: reflexivity, trustworthiness, commitment, and coherence.
• Highlighted ethical considerations: hierarchy, confidentiality, and support needs.

Conclusions:

• Junior-to-junior interviews are a viable and advantageous method for trainee researchers.
• This approach facilitates deeper understanding of healthcare work environments.
• Encourages broader adoption of peer-based qualitative research in clinical settings.