Analysis of the Resident Physician Program from Theory to Practice from the Perspective of Service Providers: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background: To increase the accountability of hospitals and ensure that patients receive appropriate treatment at any time of the day, resident physicians perform the necessary diagnostic and therapeutic procedures during non-office hours. This study aimed to analyze the resident physician program from theory to practice. Methods: The present study was a qualitative one. The participants included 27 experts selected from university and hospital managers as well as specialist doctors. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews based on purposive and snowball sampling and the process of data collection continued until data saturation. Then, the interviews were transcribed, meaning units were determined, data were coded, the identified codes were categorized based on similarities and differences, and the themes were identified and finally analyzed and interpreted using the content analysis method. Results: In the present study, 4 main themes, 11 subthemes, and 46 components were identified using framework analysis. The themes related to the goals and outcomes of the program, the accountability of the centers, and the indicators had the same results in theory and practice, and this program improved them. However, regarding financing, monitoring, and implementing the program, as well as payments, there was a wide gap between theory and practice. Conclusion: Considering the opportunities, threats, strengths, and weaknesses of the resident physician program, the results of this study can propose a comprehensive model based on the perception of health managers and experts involved in the implementation of the program. Therefore, it is suggested to consider local conditions and patterns in prioritizing the criteria for fields of study.