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Exploring the experiences of EU qualified doctors working in the United Kingdom: A qualitative study

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  • Legido-Quigley, Helena
  • Saliba, Vanessa
  • McKee, Martin

Abstract

This qualitative study of 23 doctors from other EU member states working in the UK highlights that, contrary to media reports, doctors from other member states working in the UK were well prepared and their main motivation to migrate was to learn new skills and experience a new health care system. Interviewees highlighted some aspects of their employment that work well and others that need improving. Some interviewees reported initially having language problems, but most noted that this was resolved after a few months. These doctors overwhelmingly reported having very positive experiences with patients, enjoying a NHS structure that was less hierarchical structure than in their home systems, and appreciating the emphasis on evidence-based medicine. Interviewees mostly complained about the lack of cleanliness of hospitals and gave some examples of risk to patient safety. Interviewees did not experience discrimination other than some instances of patronising and snobbish behaviour. However, a few believed that their nationality was a block to achieving senior positions. Overall, interviewees reported having enjoyable experiences with patients and appreciating what the NHS had to offer.

Suggested Citation

  • Legido-Quigley, Helena & Saliba, Vanessa & McKee, Martin, 2015. "Exploring the experiences of EU qualified doctors working in the United Kingdom: A qualitative study," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 119(4), pages 494-502.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:hepoli:v:119:y:2015:i:4:p:494-502
    DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2014.08.003
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kangasniemi, Mari & Winters, L. Alan & Commander, Simon, 2007. "Is the medical brain drain beneficial? Evidence from overseas doctors in the UK," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 65(5), pages 915-923, September.
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    4. Williams, Allan M. & Baláz, Vladimir, 2008. "International return mobility, learning and knowledge transfer: A case study of Slovak doctors," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 67(11), pages 1924-1933, December.
    5. Legido-Quigley, Helena & Nolte, Ellen & Green, Judith & la Parra, Daniel & McKee, Martin, 2012. "The health care experiences of British pensioners migrating to Spain: A qualitative study," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 105(1), pages 46-54.
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    Cited by:

    1. Mario Rubenzer, 2019. "Mentality Differences in the Field of Medicine: Challenges in Cross-Cultural Collaborations in Austrian and German Hospitals between Native Physicians and Immigrated Colleagues from Poland and Hungary," International Journal of Innovation and Economic Development, Inovatus Services Ltd., vol. 5(5), pages 37-47, December.
    2. Anand Chand & Suwastika Naidu, 2017. "Health Care Service Quality and Availability of Skilled Health Workforce: A Panel Data Modelling of the UK, USA and Israel," Modern Applied Science, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 11(10), pages 152-152, October.
    3. Taylor, Francesca & Drennan, Vari M & Halter, Mary & Calestani, Melania, 2020. "Integration and retention of American physician assistants/associates working in English hospitals: A qualitative study," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 124(5), pages 525-530.

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