Irish medical trainees’ experiences of geographical rotations

BACKGROUND: Irish Postgraduate Medical Trainees are required to relocate every three to six months in a process called geographical rotation. Rotations expose Trainees to different clinical settings and experiences. Although Trainees often request placements close to their homes, this cannot always be accommodated. The impact on Trainees is currently unknown and requires further investigation. AIMS: This study aimed to investigate Irish medical Trainees' experiences of geographical rotations. METHODS: Through explanatory sequential mixed-methods, Trainees completed a questionnaire capturing their experiences of geographical rotations, including personal and professional experiences with relocating. Post-completion, participants were invited to contribute to a focus group which explored the data gathered in the initial quantitative phase. Focus group data were analysed thematically, in line with Braun and Clarke's six-step framework. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 261 Trainees, of whom 80%, (n = 225) were required to move from their primary residence while on rotation. Of these, over two thirds (67.6%, n = 152) continued to pay bills relating to their primary residence while taking up secondary accommodation. Through focus groups (N = 12), the themes of remaining connected and managing personal autonomy were prominent in the data. CONCLUSIONS: This study investigated the attitudes and experiences of Medical Trainees experiencing geographical rotations in Ireland at a national level and adds significantly to the knowledge of the Trainee experience in Ireland. This paper suggests Trainees preferences are changing, with a shift to flexible working arrangements viewed as attractive.