What is an acute medicine registrar? A qualitative investigation into trainee self-perception and identity.
OBJECTIVE
This paper explores the experiences and attitudes of acute medicine trainees regarding their own identity and function within hospital medicine, with a view to developing a coherent theoretical framework describing the identity of the acute medicine registrar.


METHODS
Three focus groups involving 17 acute medicine registrars were carried out. Video recordings of the discussions were analysed for the purpose of thematic analysis.


RESULTS
Qualitative analysis revealed 5 key aspects to the identity of acute medicine trainees. Novel findings were of trainees' perceptions of being poorly understood by other specialties, and of being the lead decision maker, particularly out-of-hours.


CONCLUSIONS
By gaining insight into the identity and core beliefs of AIM trainees, we are better equipped to make decisions regarding the future of acute medicine.
Acute medicine registrar, Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel, London, UK.
B
B
Lovell
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004635:Emergency Medicine / Q000193:education*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital / Q000523:psychology*; D012649:Self Concept; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires