The Family and Social Life Experiences of Trinidadian On-Call Doctors and Significant Others

Authors

  • Samantha Glasgow
  • Susan Cartwright
  • Jane Simpson

Keywords:

on-call, doctors, gender, family, social life, marriage, leisure

Abstract

On-call work presents unique challenges, yet it remains a relatively under-researched area, particularly as it relates to its psychosocial impact. The aim of this study was to understand how being on-call impacts the family and social lives of doctors’ and significant others’ (SOs). 18 doctors who worked on-call and seven SOs whose partners worked on-call participated in semi-structured interviews and the data were analysed thematically. Being on-call shaped how the doctors and SOs interacted with their intimate partners and children during the periods surrounding call and the extent to which they engaged in leisure and other social activities. The findings differed according to the on-call category to which the doctors belonged and were also reflective of wider gendered ideologies within work and family structures. Strategies geared towards improving the family and social life experiences of on-call doctors and SOs should acknowledge the nuances in the experiences of the different categories of on-call doctors and the role expectations of men and women doctors. It should also incorporate the experiences of those with whom they share their lives.

Author Biographies

Samantha Glasgow

is an Assistant Professor in the Health Sciences Unit at the University of Trinidad and Tobago and lectures students on critical management and leadership issues in the health sector. Her Ph.D. research explored the lived experiences of being on-call among Trinidadian doctors and their significant others. Samantha’s research interests are geared towards informing the development of strategies to improve the well-being of human resources for health in our local healthcare sector.

Susan Cartwright

is Emerita Professor of Organizational Psychology and Well Being at Lancaster University. While at Lancaster, Susan developed and led the Ph.D. in Organizational Health and Well-Being program for nine years. She is a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences and a Fellow of the British Psychological Society and the British Academy of Management.

Jane Simpson

is Professor of the Psychology of Neurogenerative Conditions in the Division of Health Research, at Lancaster University. Jane is a Clinical Psychologist and author of over 160 publications.

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Published

2023-04-01

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 1 (2023): Caribbean Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies

Section

Articles