Retrospective analysis of the national impact of industrial action by English junior doctors in 2016 (8 February 2018)

Summary

This study in BMJ Open examines the impacts of the four episodes of industrial action by English junior doctors in early 2016. The authors looked at the impact of the strikes on A&E visits, outpatient appointments and cancellations, admitted patients and all in-hospital mortality.

The study concluded that industrial action by junior doctors during early 2016 had a significant impact on the healthcare provided by English hospitals. It also found that t here were regional variations in how these strikes affected providers, and that there was not a measurable increase in mortality on strike days.