"Investigating Workplace Issues Faced by Junior Doctors and Their Influence on Performance: A Qualitative Exploratory Analysis in Private Medical Colleges"

Abstract

Abstract
Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the difficulties faced by junior doctors in the workplace and evaluate how these difficulties affect their individual performance. The study specifically focused on analysing the dynamics between junior doctors and their senior colleagues.
Study Design: Information was gathered from various private medical colleges located in Taxila and Rawalpindi region. The study adopted a qualitative research methodology, including in-depth interviews performed in the English language.
Location and Duration of Study: The research was carried out in healthcare facilities located in Taxila and Rawalpindi region. Data collection and analysis took place over a defined period of three months, from January 2023 to April 2023.
Methods: Convenient sampling was used to pick a group of 24 junior doctors, including lecturers, medical officers, registrars, and assistant professors. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in English, recorded, and subsequently transcribed and verified by an English language expert. The qualitative analysis was conducted manually, with a specific focus on identifying themes pertaining to job packages and organizational behaviour.
Results: Problems observed on workplace were stated as oscillatory job satisfaction level, variable decision-making power, lack of proper communication, preference, and employee stress. These difficulties were said by junior doctors to have detrimental impacts on their professional development, decision-making potential and private lives. These disadvantages were accorded to lack of enhanced communication with leadership, equal opportunities, and reliable feedback mechanisms.
Conclusion: The study confirms and underpins the significance of tackling everything that makes working challenges for junior doctors within private medical colleges. Work conditions should be improved by promoting work communication, professional identity, using non-favouritism policies, and offering equal career advancement. The study focuses on influencing specific programs and interventions to address the enhancing of junior doctors’ staff strength, health, performance, and loyalty.