Experience of Early Postgraduate Transition to Intensive Care Medicine: A Phenomenological Study

Background

Clinical role transition is known to pose a challenge to doctors in training. The intensive care unit (ICU) is noted to be a demanding workplace environment, although relatively little is known about the experience of doctors as they transition to intensive care medicine (ICM) at the postgraduate level. Thus, this study aimed to explore the experience of registrar-grade doctors undergoing this transition and to examine the interplay between personal and professional life at this time.

Methodology

This qualitative study was guided by transcendental phenomenology and multiple and multidimensional transitions theory (MMT). Data were collected via 11 semi-structured interviews and analysed using a six-step analysis. Peer debriefing and a reflexive diary were used.

Results

The experience of...