title: Exploring the experiences of EU qualified doctors working in the United Kingdom: a qualitative study.
abstract: This qualitative study of 23 doctors from other EU member states working in the UK highlights that, contrary to media reports, doctors from other member states working in the UK were well prepared and their main motivation to migrate was to learn new skills and experience a new health care system. Interviewees highlighted some aspects of their employment that work well and others that need improving. Some interviewees reported initially having language problems, but most noted that this was resolved after a few months. These doctors overwhelmingly reported having very positive experiences with patients, enjoying a NHS structure that was less hierarchical structure than in their home systems, and appreciating the emphasis on evidence-based medicine. Interviewees mostly complained about the lack of cleanliness of hospitals and gave some examples of risk to patient safety. Interviewees did not experience discrimination other than some instances of patronising and snobbish behaviour. However, a few believed that their nationality was a block to achieving senior positions. Overall, interviewees reported having enjoyable experiences with patients and appreciating what the NHS had to offer.
authors.affiliation: London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK. Electronic address: Helena.Legido-Quigley@lshtm.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Helena
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Legido-Quigley
authors.affiliation: London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK.
authors.forename: Vanessa
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Saliba
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9SH, UK. Electronic address: martin.mckee@lshtm.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: McKee
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D003144:Communication Barriers; D004651:Employment; D005062:European Union; D005260:Female; D005550:Foreign Medical Graduates; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D020380:Needs Assessment; D036301:Qualitative Research; D006113:United Kingdom
keywords: EU doctors; Professional mobility; Qualitative; The UK