Junior doctors’ acute care concerns

Newly-qualified doctors feel poorly prepared to look after very ill patients.

Researchers found their more senior colleagues also do not believe they have the right skills to deal with acutely unwell patients.

The findings come amid growing concerns junior doctors are often left dealing with very sick patients at weekends and bank holidays.

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Last month, a national guide found patients needing emergency care were almost 10 per cent more likely to die if they are admitted to hospitals on weekends. Hospitals with the fewest senior doctors on duty had the highest death rates, reflecting concerns about a lack of consultant cover.

Latest research, in the Postgraduate Medical Journal, found junior doctors felt poorly prepared for dealing with acutely sick patients compared with other aspects of care. Senior doctors agreed with the assessment.

Researchers from Edinburgh said changes in training may have led to the problems which mean some junior doctors are unprepared to properly assess acutely ill patients or begin resuscitation procedures.

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