What challenges did junior doctors face while working during the COVID-19 pandemic? A qualitative study

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Psychiatry
• Public Health

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges for healthcare systems globally.
• Junior doctors, as frontline workers, experienced unique stressors impacting their mental well-being.
• Understanding these experiences is crucial for developing effective support strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the lived experiences of junior doctors working in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To identify the personal and organizational challenges faced by junior doctors.
• To examine coping strategies and the impact of the pandemic on their working practices.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study employing in-depth interviews with 15 junior doctors.
• Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.
• Participants were recruited based on self-reported distress (depression, anxiety, suicidality).

Main Results:

• Junior doctors experienced significant personal and organizational challenges, including trauma from patient deaths, safety fears, and work-related stressors like increased workload and staff shortages.
• Coping strategies were often limited in effectiveness, with some participants exhibiting learned helplessness.
• Positive impacts included simplified working practices, consistent teams, and increased camaraderie.

Conclusions:

• The trauma experienced by junior doctors during the pandemic contributed to powerlessness and reduced the efficacy of individual coping mechanisms.
• Recommendations include assigning junior doctors to consistent teams and providing ongoing support to address pandemic-related distress.
• Addressing the psychological impact on junior doctors is essential for healthcare system resilience.