Workforce planning: catering for the next generation
Introduction: Opinions on the NHS begin at an early age. If the NHS is to retain doctors, and remain a positive environment for staff and patients, understanding the wants and needs of the next generation of medical professionals is essential and this needs to start early. Materials and methods: A s...
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| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Elsevier
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Future Healthcare Journal |
| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2514664525002267 |
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| Summary: | Introduction: Opinions on the NHS begin at an early age. If the NHS is to retain doctors, and remain a positive environment for staff and patients, understanding the wants and needs of the next generation of medical professionals is essential and this needs to start early. Materials and methods: A series of questions were sent to over 50 sixth form students intending to apply for medicine. Responses were collected with key demographics, attitudes toward NHS working conditions and medical career aspirations analysed. Results and discussion: 68.0% of the replies showed students felt that working in the NHS in the future would be more difficult than working in the NHS now, while 12% said that it would be easier. 84% of students felt that they were concerned about the current pay for NHS doctors, whereas 16% were not concerned. 96% of students said that they saw themselves working in the private healthcare sector in the future, with 48% working in the sector full-time, and 48% working in the sector part-time. Regarding working in healthcare abroad after finishing university, 48% of students said that they expect to be working abroad, while 44% remained undecided. Conclusion: The survey results highlight key motivations and concerns among prospective medical students. It is concerning that such a significant number of potential doctors wish to move abroad in the future even before starting medical training. Also, almost half of students felt that they would be working completely in the private sector. Addressing issues such as pay and environment could improve retention and long-term engagement within the NHS,1 but guiding people’s perspectives must start early. |
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| ISSN: | 2514-6645 |