What's in a name: How do junior doctors address their consultants?

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Healthcare Communication
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Senior doctor approachability influences junior staff reporting of safety concerns.
• Limited data exists on the link between junior doctors' address terms for seniors and perceived approachability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if junior doctors using first names for consultants reflects perceived approachability.
• To determine if this relationship varies by junior doctor grade and specialty.

Main Methods:

• An online survey was distributed to junior doctors at a large teaching hospital.
• Respondents reported on their use of first names when addressing consultants and their perception of approachability.

Main Results:

• 410 junior doctors responded, representing 57 subspecialties.
• 43% of consultants were addressed by first name, with 71% of these perceived as more approachable.
• Significant variations were observed based on junior doctor grade and specialty.

Conclusions:

• The majority of junior doctors perceive consultants addressed informally (by first name) as more approachable.
• Informal address may be an indicator of a more open and accessible senior medical staff.