Abstract

Objectives: 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.

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