Walker2021_Article_TheExperiencesOfFoundationDoct.pdf (972.8 kB)
The experiences of foundation doctors with dyspraxia: a phenomenological study
Version 2 2023-06-12, 09:41
Version 1 2023-06-09, 22:46
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-12, 09:41 authored by Eleanor Walker, Sebastian ShawSebastian Shaw, Malcolm ReedMalcolm Reed, John AndersonDyspraxia, otherwise known as Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), is a specific learning difficulty (SpLD). Its main difficulties manifest as problems with motor coordination, organisation, academic and social difficulties. There are now more students arriving at university with SpLDs, and, therefore, a similar rise may be expected within medical education. There has been no previous research focusing on dyspraxia in doctors. An interpretive phenomenological approach was used. Six UK foundation schools disseminated the announcements. Three participants took part in loosely structured telephone interviews regarding their experiences of undertaking medical school and foundation school with dyspraxia. These were transcribed verbatim and then thematically analysed. The themes could be split into two main categories: “Weakness and Coping Strategies” and “Perspectives of Dyspraxia”. “Weakness” included: clumsiness, organisation and needing extra time. The participants focused on their “Coping Strategies” that included: Ensuring safety, adapted learning preferences and external support. “Perspectives of Dyspraxia” included: diagnosis, career choice, stigma, “normalisation” and the “difference view” or “medical deficit” view of dyspraxia. Doctors with dyspraxia often mask their difficulties through sophisticated coping strategies. These were determined and hardworking individuals who believe that their dyspraxia was a positive aspect of their identity, adopting a “difference view”. They felt further education is needed about dyspraxia to change the perceived stigma. There is now a need for further research in this area.
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Published version
Journal
Advances in Health Sciences EducationISSN
1382-4996Publisher
SpringerExternal DOI
Department affiliated with
- BSMS Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2021-01-14First Open Access (FOA) Date
2021-02-10First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2021-01-14Usage metrics
Categories
No categories selectedKeywords
Licence
Exports
RefWorks
BibTeX
Ref. manager
Endnote
DataCite
NLM
DC