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Clinical scientists' early career choices and progression: an exploratory mixed methods study
Megan Smith1, Jaimini Patel1, Sandie Gay2
1Formerly Birmingham Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
BMC Health Services Research
|October 7, 2021
Summary
Training experiences and organizational factors significantly influence early career choices and retention of UK clinical scientists. Understanding these elements is key to improving workforce planning and career development for this vital group.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Workforce Development
- Clinical Science Careers
Background:
- Healthcare professional retention is a global priority.
- UK investment in clinical scientist training necessitates effective retention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate factors influencing early career choices and progression of UK clinical scientists.
- Explore the applicability of job embeddedness theory to clinical scientist careers.
Main Methods:
- Mixed-methods study analyzing UK Scientist Training Programme (STP) graduate data (2014-2019).
- Descriptive statistics and Chi-Squared tests on job sector and salary.
- Thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with practicing clinical scientists.
Main Results:
- Most STP graduates secured NHS positions at expected salaries; variations noted by specialty.
- Training experiences, workforce integration, specialty norms, and organizational factors impacted career choices.
- Public service commitment and 'fit' with job embeddedness theory were key influences.
Conclusions:
- Training, personal values, specialty norms, and organizational factors shape clinical scientists' career paths.
- Job embeddedness theory offers insights for interventions to enhance career progression.
- Interventions must consider specialty-specific variations in career influences.
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