Enhancing locally employed doctor support and integration: a QIP on a buddy programme at Russells Hall Hospital.
Malik, Sumaira Saeed, Tamar Puri, Shifa Shah, Sidra Farooq, Ayesha
Malik, Sumaira
Saeed, Tamar
Puri, Shifa
Shah, Sidra
Farooq, Ayesha
Affiliation
The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust
Other Contributors
Publication date
2025/06/01
Subject
Collections
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Abstract
The integration of new staff into the NHS is essential for their well-being, confidence and efficacy in functioning within a novel environment.1 Obstacles, such as insufficient guidance, limited peer support and challenges in adapting to the workplace culture, can impede a seamless transition.2-4 In response to these concerns, a buddy programme was implemented in the medical division of Russells Hall Hospital, pairing new locally employed doctors with seasoned colleagues to offer support throughout their introductory period. This Quality Improvement Project (QIP) aimed to evaluate the Buddy Programme's impact on new doctors' integration, confidence, and overall support. The objective was to improve their transition into the NHS by enhancing peer support mechanisms. A two-cycle study compared pre-implementation (Cycle 1) and post-implementation (Cycle 2) data. A survey was distributed to new doctors, assessing various aspects of the integration experience. The key indicators included whether a buddy was assigned, confidence in approaching the buddy, feeling welcomed in the trust culture, support during the integration period and the impact of a well-being champion. The responses were collected and analysed to determine the effectiveness of the intervention. The implementation of the Buddy Programme led to significant improvements across multiple areas. In Cycle 2, 47% of the doctors were assigned a buddy, and those that felt welcomed in the trust culture rose from 40% to 100% (+60%), and support increased from 50% to 84% (+34%) during the integration period. All those who were assigned a buddy felt better integrated within the NHS and improved their overall experience. The implementation of the Buddy Programme at Russells Hall Hospital demonstrated a positive impact on the integration and support of locally employed doctors. The significant improvements in feeling welcome, support, and overall confidence highlights the effectiveness of structured peer mentorship. Despite the progress, further efforts are needed to increase buddy assignments and optimise the reach of the programme. Future steps include refining the pairing process, enhancing engagement strategies and incorporating feedback mechanisms to ensure sustained benefits for new doctors transitioning into the NHS.
Citation
Sumaira Malik, Tamar Saeed, Shifa Puri, Sidra Shah, Ayesha Farooq, Enhancing locally employed doctor support and integration: a QIP on a buddy programme at Russells Hall Hospital, Future Healthcare Journal, Volume 12, Issue 2, Supplement, 2025, 100396, ISSN 2514-6645, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fhj.2025.100396.