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The quality and safety of locum doctors: a narrative review
Jane Ferguson1, Kieran Walshe1
1Alliance Manchester Business School, The University of Manchester, Manchester M15 6PB, UK.
Abstract:
Locum doctors are often perceived to present greater risks of causing harm to patients than permanent doctors. After eligibility and quality assessment, eight empirical and 34 non-empirical papers were included in a narrative synthesis to establish what was known about the quality and safety of locum medical practice. Empirical literature was limited and weak methodologically. Locums enabled healthcare organisations to maintain appropriate staffing levels and allowed staffing flexibility, but they also gave rise to concerns about continuity of care, patient safety, team function and cost. There was some evidence to suggest that the way locum doctors are recruited, employed and used by organisations, may result in a higher risk of harm to patients. A better understanding of the quality and safety of locum working is needed to improve the use of locum doctors and the quality and safety of patient care that they provide.
Insights
Locum doctors may pose higher patient harm risks due to organizational practices. Further research is needed to improve locum doctor safety and patient care quality.
Area of Science:
- Medical practice and healthcare management
- Patient safety research
- Healthcare workforce studies
Background:
- Locum doctors are frequently perceived as higher risk than permanent staff.
- Concerns exist regarding patient safety, continuity of care, and team dynamics with locum use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize existing literature on the quality and safety of locum medical practice.
- To identify factors influencing the risks associated with locum doctors.
Main Methods:
- A narrative synthesis approach was employed.
- Included eight empirical and 34 non-empirical papers after quality assessment.
Main Results:
- Empirical evidence was limited and methodologically weak.
- Locums provide staffing flexibility but raise concerns about care continuity and safety.
- Organizational recruitment and employment practices may increase patient harm risk.
Conclusions:
- A better understanding of locum working quality and safety is essential.
- Improvements are needed in how locum doctors are utilized to enhance patient care.
- Addressing organizational factors is key to mitigating risks associated with locum physicians.
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