• Arch Dis Child Educ Pract Ed · Mar 2021

    Addressing recruitment and retention in paediatrics: a pipeline to a brighter future.

    • Peter Mallett, Andrew Thompson, and Thomas Bourke.
    • Paediatics, Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, Belfast, N.Ireland Peter.Mallett@belfasttrust.hscni.net.
    • Arch Dis Child Educ Pract Ed. 2021 Mar 3.

    BackgroundIn the UK, the number of junior doctors completing foundation programme, and the number of trainees applying to paediatrics has been in decline in recent years. The NHS is at 'breaking point', exacerbated by workforce shortages, chronic underfunding, increasing service demand and poor job satisfaction within healthcare workers. Issues in recruitment and retention of paediatricians 'threaten the safety of our children's health', according to the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health.AimTo explore what strategies have been described in the literature to enhance recruitment and retention in paediatrics.MethodsA scoping review methodology was conducted, employing a qualitative approach to review the literature. The studies included were English-language studies. 16 full-text articles were reviewed and analysed.Study FindingsThere is a paucity of data in the literature that describes evidence-based approaches to enhancing retention and recruitment in paediatrics. The most important strategies employed to help are identified and grouped into six main themes. These include professional advocacy, workforce diversity, mentorship, improving working conditions, career flexibility and enhancing educational opportunities. The authors have created a 'paediatric pipeline' paradigm of 'identify, engage, recruit, retain and champion', which allow us to present these themes in a pragmatic way for paediatricians and policymakers.ConclusionsWhile some issues share similarities with other specialties in difficulty, much of the context and potential remedies within paediatrics are distinct. A strategic, multi-agency collaborative approach is required urgently to address the significant issues that face both paediatrics and the healthcare system.© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2021. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.

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