‘None of them know me’: A qualitative study of the implications of locum doctor working for patient experience (1 August 2024)

Summary

There have been some concerns about the impact of temporary doctors, otherwise known as locums, on patient safety and the quality of care. Despite these concerns, research has paid little attention to the implications of locum working on patient experience.

A qualitative semi-structured interview study was conducted with 130 participants including locums, people working with locums and patients with experience of being seen or treated by locums.

Patients reported that they were unlikely to have continuity of care with any doctors delivering care, regardless of their contractual status. Locums sometimes provided new perspectives on care which could be beneficial for patient outcomes, but for patients with long-term, complex or serious conditions continuity of care was important, and these patients may avoid or delay seeking care when locums are the only available option.