Preparedness for the transition to medical registrar from senior house officer—What's the problem?

Introduction

Transitions in clinical training are a hallmark in medical trainee's careers. The transition from senior house officer (SHO) to the role of medical registrar is often viewed as one of the most challenging, but to date, there is little research exploring why the transition is proving problematic for so many learners. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of trainees preparing to make this transition.

Methods

Using an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) approach, this qualitative study employed semi-structured interviews to explore the lived experiences of transition in a purposive sample of trainees on the cusp of transition from SHO to registrar or who were in their first year of being a medical registrar. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using an IPA approach.

Results

Six trainees participated in this study, four of whom were currently in SHO positions, with the remaining two in their first year of medical registrar. Two main themes emerged from data—perception of the medical registrar and barriers in transition. The role of the medical registrar was perceived to represent a strong leadership role, with barriers created due to increasing expectations, lack of support and uncertainties regarding the job.

Conclusion

The role of the medical registrar is a challenging one, representing periods of uncertainty, increased expectations and reduced supports. Within this, there is potential to further support SHOs in transitioning to the role of medical registrar.