title: Foundation doctors and dyslexia: a qualitative study of their experiences and coping strategies.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Dyslexia is the most common form of specific learning difficulty affecting approximately 6% of the general UK population and believed to affect approximately 2% of UK medical students. The impact of dyslexia on early practice has not been studied.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To develop an understanding of the challenges faced by doctors with dyslexia in the first year of practice and their support requirements.
  
  
  METHODS
  Semistructured telephone interviews were conducted with seven foundation year 1 doctors with dyslexia from Scottish hospitals between March 2013 and August 2013.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Foundation doctors indicated that due to their dyslexia, they experience difficulty with all forms of communication, time management and anxiety. There were concerns about disclosure of their dyslexia to colleagues and supervisors. Coping strategies used frequently were safety-netting and planning; technology solutions did offer some assistance.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although technological interventions have the potential to offer benefits to foundation doctors with dyslexia, increased openness about a diagnosis of dyslexia with discussion between doctor and supervisors about the challenges and anxieties is likely to provide the most benefit.
authors: Dumfries & Galloway Royal Infirmary, Dumfries, UK.
authors: Freda
authors: F
authors: Newlands
authors: North Worcestershire GPVTS, West Midlands Deanery Graduate School of Education, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK.
authors: Duncan
authors: D
authors: Shrewsbury
authors: Department of Medical Education, Dumfries & Galloway Royal Infirmary, Dumfries, UK.
authors: Jean
authors: J
authors: Robson
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002321:Career Choice; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004410:Dyslexia / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D008297:Male; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012650:Self Disclosure; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology
keywords: EDUCATION & TRAINING (see Medical Education & Training); MEDICAL EDUCATION & TRAINING; QUALITATIVE RESEARCH