@article{Walker_K-2025_209424,
title = {Investigating discrepancies in perceptions regarding the provision of hospital Rest and Relaxation spaces in Scotland during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond: A qualitative study},
author = {Walker, K. and Cunningham, K. and Ferguson, J. and Gibson-Smith, K. and Scanlan, G. and Cecil, J. and Gordon, L. and Laidlaw, A. and Pope, L. and Peter, J. and Aitken, G.},
month = {aug},
year = {2025},
abstract = {Objectives To investigate discrepancies in perceptions regarding the accessibility and availability of rest and relaxation (R&amp;R) spaces between hospital doctors in Scotland and NHS Scotland regional health boards (HBs), with the intention of informing best practices for organisational policy on the provision of R&amp;R spaces both now and in the future. Design A qualitative study, through an inhabited institutionalism (II) lens, of semi-structured interviews of hospital doctors across the career continuum in Scotland and all NHS regional HBs in Scotland providing written information relating to R&amp;R space provision. Setting NHS Scotland during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. Participants Hospital doctors (n=30) who had participated in a larger qualitative study and provided specific insights on R&amp;R spaces. All NHS Scotland regional HBs (n=14). Results Although HBs reported the provision of R&amp;R spaces, numerous doctors reported R&amp;R spaces had been removed, relocated or were inaccessible. Furthermore, limited awareness of their availability attributed to inadequate communication, compounded the issue. This divergence between institutional reporting and front-line experience can be interpreted through the lens of II, which posits that institutional polices are often interpreted and implemented differently. Conclusions This study emphasises how crucial R&amp;R spaces are to promoting doctors’ well-being especially during the time of high stress. HBs must not only guarantee the accessibility and physical availability of R&amp;R spaces but also enhance their communication regarding the provision.},
volume = {15},
issue = {8},
journal = {BMJ Open},
publisher = {BMJ Publishing Group},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2024-096154},
}
