Well-being in newly qualified doctors: exploring the value of peer-led reflective sessions

Following the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing pressures within the National Health Service, there has been an increasing concern about the well-being of junior doctors in the UK. Newly qualified doctors are particularly vulnerable due to the significant shift in responsibility they experience.

To implement peer-led reflective session for foundation year 1 (FY1) (first-year postgraduation) doctors and to create a dedicated space in which doctors could share difficult or challenging experiences.

In 2021 and 2022, peer-led reflective sessions were held for FY1s in a district general hospital in London, England. Feedback assessing well-being, perceived levels of support, as well as session benefits and areas for improvement, was obtained throughout the year. Qualitative feedback underwent thematic analysis to understand key benefits of the sessions.

Feedback collected at the launch of the initiative revealed that over 80% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that their mental health and well-being had been negatively impacted by work. The majority felt additional support was needed. All attendees found reflective sessions useful. Key benefits were as follows: the provision of a safe psychological space, sharing experiences and reflecting with peers, building relationships with colleagues and the reassurance that others struggled with similar challenges.

FY1 doctors reported that starting work negatively affected their well-being and that additional support was needed. Facilitated peer-led reflective sessions were beneficial and offered a supportive environment for FY1s to share and reflect. We propose the initiative can serve members of the wider healthcare team, including doctors of different grades and nurses.