A qualitative study exploring the experience of the Medical Intern Programme: Supportive transition for international doctors working in the NHS

BackgroundThe UK is experiencing a shortage of doctors. Consequently, the Medical Intern Programme, a unique two year programme consisting of an observership, four clinical rotations at the level of a foundation doctor within an NHS Trust and a postgraduate diploma from a university in the north of England, was set up to enhance the NHS workforce by facilitating the entry of international medical graduates into UK medicine via a supported transitional programme. We aimed to explore the experiences of the doctors enrolled on the Medical Intern Programme. MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted via the telephone with seven doctors enrolled on the programme. The interview guide was informed by the research questions and data were analysed using a thematic analysis. ResultsWe identified four themes that were important in the experiences of the doctors: preparing to work in the UK, feeling supported, weighing up the pros and cons of the programme and comparisons between countries. ConclusionsThe Medical Intern Programme successfully facilitated international doctors transition to the UK and working in the NHS. Support needs to be provided at the organisational, team and individual level including a period of observing and shadowing to enable the doctors to understand the systems and multidisciplinary team working in the NHS.