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

## TL;DR

This study explores how doctors adjust to working in intensive care units, highlighting the challenges and personal impacts of the transition.

## Contribution

The study provides novel insights into the personal and professional transition experiences of doctors in intensive care medicine using phenomenological methods.

## Key findings

- The ICU environment significantly impacts doctors' personal and professional lives.
- Collegial support and prior experience influence the transition to ICM.
- The transition leads to personal and professional growth despite its challenges.

## Abstract

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 doctors undergoing the transition to ICM was found to be influenced by the clinical environment of the ICU, a demanding and potentially stressful workplace, and one in which collegial support was valued. The previous experience of the individual undergoing the transition was relevant, and the impact of this transition on their professional development and identity was notable. Consistent with MMT, the interplay between personal and professional life was significant, as participants outlined the impact of anxiety before a shift, the emotional and cognitive burden of a shift, and the effect of this transition on their personal relationships.

Conclusions

This study observes the ICU to be an extremely challenging workplace environment, with a notable influence on the personal lives of those working therein. Nevertheless, ICM offers invaluable opportunities for learning and both personal and professional growth.