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Table 2 Summary of key themes, sub-themes, and links to research questions

From: Integrating training in evidence-based medicine and shared decision-making: a qualitative study of junior doctors and consultants

Theme

Sub-theme

Group

Brief description

1. EBM training, understanding, and practice.a,c

a. Understanding and training in EBM

J

Junior doctor’s pre-course training in EBM was limited, and often anchored to research skills and knowledge-gain. Consultants’ understanding of EBM varied from very little to high level.

b. Actual and intended practice of EBM

J, C

After the course, junior doctors’ intentions to practice EBM increased.

c. Junior doctors’ perceived training needs in EBM SDM

J

The EBM-SDM course changed the perceptions of junior doctors about their training needs.

d. Impact of the medical specialty of consultants

C

Consultants saw major differences between surgery and non-surgery specialties when using EBM.

2. Attitudes to EBM.a,b,c

a. Attitudes towards the role of evidence in decision-making

J, C

Junior doctors rated evidence highly in decision-making; consultants had mixed views, often preferring to rely on experience or colleagues

b. Attitudes towards patient involvement in care decisions

J, C

Junior doctors’ attitudes towards patient involvement increased after the course; consultants varied in their attitudes.

c. Consultant attitudes towards junior doctors’ practice of EBM

C

Consultants had different views on whether junior doctors should practice EBM.

3. Organisational culture and EBM.b,c

a. Public vs. Private healthcare

J, C

All doctors saw different opportunities for EBM in public or private healthcare settings.

b. Medical hierarchy

J, C

Junior doctors were very aware of the medical hierarchy dominated by consultants.

4. Understanding and practice of SDM and its role in EBM.a,b,c

c. Understanding and practicing SDM

J, C

Junior doctors had no understanding of SDM before the course; this changed after the course. Most consultants did not engage with SDM.

a. Effect of medical hierarchy on junior doctors’ practice of SDM

J

Junior doctors saw hierarchy as a significant barrier to practicing EBM and SDM.

b. Consultant perceptions of junior doctors’ roles in SDM learning & practice

C

Most consultants saw limited roles for junior doctors in practicing SDM

  1. EBM Evidence-based medicine, SDM Shared decision-making, J Junior doctor, C Consultant
  2. aResearch question 1
  3. bResearch question 2
  4. cResearch question 3
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BMC Medical Education

ISSN: 1472-6920

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