title: A qualitative investigation of Foundation Year 2 doctors' views on the European Working Time Directive.
abstract: PURPOSE - The purpose of this paper is to examine the personal views and experiences of Foundation Year 2 doctors operating under the European Working Time Directive (EWTD). DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH - In total, 36 Foundation Year 2 doctors from a single UK-based Deanery participated in this semistructured interview study. FINDINGS - Findings indicated that Foundation doctors typically welcomed a regulation of working hours, but reported frustration at the manner in which the Directive had been implemented. Participants reported concerns at reducing hours by removing out-of-hours working in order to meet EWTD requirements. Out-of-hours shifts were highly valued owing to their increased opportunities for autonomous clinical decision making. By contrast, day-shifts were regarded as heavily administrative in nature and were perceived as service provision. Foundation doctors discussed the unique nature of the out-of-hours working period which appeared to provide specific learning opportunities as doctors draw on time management and prioritisation skills. ORIGINALITY/VALUE - Given the challenges the EWTD presents, careful rota planning is essential. First, the authors would encourage the restructuring of day-shift work to provide a greater emphasis on hands-on skills experience in a supportive, supervised environment. Second, where possible, Foundation doctors might benefit from the opportunity to engage in some out-of-hours working, such as with multi-professional "Hospital at Night" teams. Third, the authors would encourage junior doctor involvement in rota design and planning which may increase their perceived autonomy and therefore buy-in of working practices.
authors.affiliation: Work & Health Research Centre, School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough UK.
authors.forename: Myanna
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Duncan
authors.forename: Cheryl
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Haslam
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital / Q000523:psychology; D061214:Patient Safety; D010561:Personnel Staffing and Scheduling; D036301:Qualitative Research; D006113:United Kingdom; D014940:Work Schedule Tolerance; D016526:Workload / Q000592:standards*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Change management; Doctors; Interviews; Workforce planning; Working hours