Table 2.

Qualitative analysis of free text response, by theme.

Theme	Words associated with this theme	No. of responses including these words	Examples of free text response
Concerns about inadequate cover	Cover, redundancy, staffing, floaters, supernumerary	38	“Increased availability of JMO cover for sick leave” “Have a dedicated sick cover doctor, who would be a float on the ward if no one was sick, rather than people having to work double shifts to cover sick leave.” “Often does not have anyone to cover which makes me really reluctant to call in sick as it will burden my team mates.”
Concerns about registration requirements	Registration, finish, AHPRA	9	“Sick leave with a medical certificate should not impact on eligibility for medical registration unless it is for an extended period” “Start internship earlier in the year. ACT health has one of the latest starting dates. This adds extra pressure for anyone who might need to finish internship early if they wish to work in a different state.” “We work long hours and yet those are not counted towards meeting the registration requirements … when you take a sick day you are automatically penalised.”
Lack of leadership from senior staff	Senior, supportive	4	“Senior colleagues (registrars) being more supportive of junior staff being unwell.” “Seeing more senior doctors modelling good behaviour (ie. staying home when sick)”
Unclear process	Process, guidelines	4	“Making the process for applying for sick leave more streamlined, and making it a hospital issue if there is no one to cover” “Unclear about the process for calling in sick, particularly on weekends”
Other	Guilt, staff awareness, duty of care	3	“As a junior doctor always working in understaffed environments the professional guilt of not working is strong.” “More of an emphasis on duty of care to patients” “Better support from admin staff”