Research Launch

The AIMHigher research project launched this month. This is an exciting new piece of educational research being run from Frimley Health, in association with the Society for Acute Medicine.

We’re aware that AMU placements in the early stages of a doctor’s career (i.e. during IMT Stage 1 or Foundation) play a key role in whether doctors pursue specialty training in Acute Medicine. For some, these early placements are highly enjoyable, leading to a long and satisfying career in Acute Medicine. Sadly, for others, these early experiences are not so positive.

What makes a great AMU placement for an early career doctor? How do these early experiences shape professional identity? How can we design placements to inspire the acute physicians of tomorrow?

We are currently looking for doctors who have worked on AMU at the Foundation or Core (IMT / ACCS) level in the last ten years to participate in this research project. Potential participants will be invited to take place in a 45-minute interview via teams, with the data collected used for thematic analysis. Our aim is to generate insights that will benefit doctors working on AMUs across the UK.

We’re primarily interested in the learning that takes place “on the shop floor” during day-to-day clinical work, rather than learning taking place in a classroom or simulation suite. We’re also keen to understand how (rather than what) doctors learn on AMU.

Participation will involve a 30-45 minute interview over Microsoft Teams, which will be recorded and transcribed for thematic analysis.

If you would like to participate, please email AIMHigherResearch@gmail.com.

This research has been approved by the UCL Ethics Committee (ID 977).