2019 survey

  1. Summary
  2. About the survey
  1. How we define the SAS and LE doctor population
  2. 2019 survey

We last surveyed SAS and LE doctors in 2019, you can read a summary in our initial findings report. For a more in-depth examination of the data see our clustering analysis report. 

What we asked

Before developing this survey, we spoke to SAS and LE doctors and the key organisations that work with them. We used their feedback to develop a comprehensive question set that reflected their views.

Question themes included:

  • Career development and access to training
  • Awareness and implementation of the SAS charters
  • Roles and responsibilities
  • Team working and support in the workplace
  • Bullying and undermining
  • Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR)/Certificate of Eligibility for GP Registration (CEGPR)
  • Burnout. 

What we found

Over 6,000 SAS and LE doctors from across the UK took part in the survey. Their responses gave us a snapshot of their experiences and the specific challenges they face.

Our findings showed that SAS and LE doctors are contributing a great deal to working and training environments. The majority were taking on activities and responsibilities in addition to patient care, and many were involved in training other medical professionals, including medicine undergraduates and doctors on formal training programmes.

Many of the doctors surveyed indicated that they were satisfied with their SAS or LE role and felt supported by colleagues and leaders where they worked. However, a significant proportion told us that they faced challenges related to their role. These included:

  • difficulties accessing training and continuous professional development (CPD) opportunities
  • unsupportive work environments and bullying and undermining
  • awareness of and access to SAS specific guidance and support is inconsistent
  • feeling burnt out due to their work.

Our SAS and LE doctor initial findings report explored these key areas in more detail, and explained what what we intended to do next. It was accompanied by an online reporting tool with aggregated data from the survey responses.

Previous How we define the SAS and LE doctor population

Related content

How to contact us if you have any questions about the survey If you have any questions about the survey please email us.
Raise a concern about a doctor Read our guidance on raising a concern about an individual doctor.
Health and wellbeing support for all doctors If you’re worried about your health or think you’re experiencing burnout, find out about the support available to you.