Abstract
There is a growing recognition in the medical community and in the society in general that being a good doctor requires more than strong scientific knowledge and excellent clinical skills. Leadership and management in the Norwegian health services and hospitals are increasingly seen among the headlines in media. Many key qualities are essential to provide comprehensive care. The spectrum of these qualities range from being able to communicate in a good way with patients and colleagues to act in a professional manner, but does it include leadership, management and knowledge about organization and administration?
This is a qualitative study among medical students, assistant doctors and senior doctors/Leaders in the Norwegian health services. 12 students and doctors/Leaders in the Norwegian health services participated. 12 semi-structured interviews based up on an interview-guide were conducted. The interviews lasted from 60 120 minutes, median time 90 minutes. They were asked: What knowledge of management and leadership is demanded and expected from young doctors in their workday?
All interviews were recorded and after written down word by word. All the texts were then reread and illustrating quotations marked for later use and the different statements were grouped based on meaning. These groups were given different headings named meaning-bearing units.
Young doctors in Norwegian hospitals meet many administrational and leadership-related challenges in their workday. They need knowledge about leadership in general and practical leadership related to medical challenges. They need knowledge about cooperation and social psychology. They also need to be aware of the gender perspective and reflect upon the influence it may have on their professional role, both as a doctor and a leader.
Knowledge about these subjects could make the young doctor a better colleague and a better co-worker for their superior leader.