Evaluating how The state of medical education and practice in the UK reports are used
Why did we commission this research?
Through our regulatory activities we gather considerable data about the UK medical workforce. We analyse this data to identify key trends and developments. We also survey doctors each year to better understand their experiences in the workplace.
The results are very useful to us. But we also share these across the healthcare systems in the UK through our The state of medical education and practice in the UK reports. These provide helpful findings, context and data about the medical profession.
Recently we used our data, evidence and insight to produce two reports. One focusing on workplace experiences of doctors in the UK and one focusing on workforce data. This research evaluates the reports’ use and engagement. So we can continue to make sure our approach to provides the most value to the system. And informs good, safe patient care.
What were the key findings?
- Stakeholders view the reports as valuable and credible sources of evidence. They support decision-making.
- Citations of the reports provided contextual background. And as supporting evidence alongside other sources.
- Engagement preferences varied, with some preferring concise summaries. Others wanted more detailed data or regional comparisons.
- Some stakeholders confused the reports with other GMC products. For instance blurring these with our reporting of findings from our national training survey (NTS).
What did the research involve?
The research was undertaken at a point when The state of medical education and practice in the UK: Workforce report was the most recently published of our analyses. But before the publication of the complementary The state of medical education and practice in the UK: Workplace experiences report. It also followed shortly after the publication of our (unrelated) NTS results and key findings report. This timing may have influenced responses.
The research involved a:
- literature review
- interviews
- focus groups with internal and external stakeholders
- a survey of external stakeholders unable to attend interviews.
