Table 5.
Ten most significant trainee stressors (in RO)
| Number# | Round 1 Per cent respondents (number of respondents) |
RO | Round 2 Per cent respondents (number of respondents) |
RO | Round 3 Weighted average (0–2) |
RO | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The revision to the consultant contract with its attenuated terms and conditions has devalued the role of consultant contributing to low morale | 56 | 8 | 86 (12) | 1 | 1.75 | 1 |
| 2 | The shortage of NCHDs and/or consultants and the limited depth of choice at this time of general shortage impacts on our ability to deliver safe care | 69 | 4 | 71 (10) | 4 | 1.75 | 1 |
| 3 | There is financial stress attributable to reduction in income, loss of overtime payments and significant reduction in the education grant | 69 | 4 | 79 (11) | 2 | 1.69 | 3 |
| 4 | The consultant package is no longer attractive enough to well-trained specialists, is potentially divisive within departments and also restricts the mobility of those currently in posts | 88 | 1 | 71 (10) | 4 | 1.69 | 3 |
| 5 | Relationship commitments and/or planning a family are surrendered to career demands | 88 | 1 | 71 (10) | 4 | 1.63 | 5 |
| 6 | Having to move workplace (and accommodation) frequently is disruptive, particularly to one's personal life. This can occur at short notice | 63 | 7 | 79 (11) | 2 | 1.56 | 6 |
| 7 | The contribution of doctors is perceived as having been devalued by commentary from both the HSE and the media and in recent years has contributed to a negative working environment and lack of trust | 50 | 13 | 64 (9) | 7 | 1.5 | 7 |
| 8 | The shortage of nurses and/or AHPs and/or administrative staff (some of whom are now less experienced than the demands of the job require) impacts on our ability to deliver safe care | 50 | 13 | 57 (8) | 8 | 1.5 | 7 |
| 9 | Though the EWTD is welcome in principle, the necessary resources have not been provided to ensure continuity of care (eg, doctors who are familiar with the patients are not available for ward rounds) | 56 | 8 | 57 (8) | 8 | 1.38 | 9 |
| 10 | Expectations of patients (and/or of their families) have increased and are sometimes unrealistic. | 56 | 8 | 57 (8) | 8 | 1.13 | 10 |
AHP, allied health professional; EWTD, European Working Time Directive; HSE, Health Service Executive; NCHD, Non-Consultant Hospital Doctors; RO, rank order.