Junior-to-junior research interviews as method for clinical practitioner-researchers

Abstract

This methodological article argues for the advantages of trainee health professionals investigating their own work contexts through qualitative research interviews with peers and presents such junior-to-junior interviews as method. The usefulness and flexibility of the method are demonstrated through two vignettes based on the authors’ individual experiences as junior medical doctors generating data through interviews with their peers. The article discusses specific considerations of junior-to-junior interviews: academic considerations including cognizance of reflexivity, trustworthiness, commitment, coherence; ethical considerations including hierarchy, confidentiality, support needs. The method has limitations including research being carried out by novices and on a small scale. However, we argue that junior-to-junior interviews allow for unique and valuable data generation, and encourage other practitioner-researchers to consider how this or similar methods may be integrated into research approaches across clinical disciplines, and organizational and cultural contexts.