Perception of Healthcare Providers on the Benefits and Challenges of Performing Dual Role - A Mixed Method Study

Abstract Introduction: Few healthcare providers perform AHA instructorship additional to primary job. Such dual role play may lead to benefits and challenges. The aim of the study was to determine the benefits and challenges perceived such healthcare providers and the motivating factors responsible for them to continue dual role. Materials and Methods: Explanatory sequential mixed method study. Healthcare providers of a south India medical university who also additionally perform AHA lifesaver course instructorship were the subjects ( n = 30). Their perception of benefits, challenges, and motivating factors were collected by a Google form. Focus group (FG) discussion was done for exploration of their perceptions. Inductive thematic analysis of the FG transcript was done by two independent researchers. After validation of the data by the third senior researcher, the codes were categorized, and themes were derived. Results: The feedback on performing additional roles was overall positive. Balancing dual roles and frequent updating of AHA guidelines were the challenges faced especially by senior instructors with more than 5 years of instructorship (Fisher’s exact test P = 0.009). FG discussion audio transcript was coded and categorized as instructor perceptions, humanistic factors, and technical factors. Upon thematic analysis, three themes that emerged were psychological implications, professional implications, and educational outcomes. Conclusions: Healthcare providers considered performing additional AHA instructorship as an opportunity for career upliftment. Balancing the job commitment and frequent updates were the challenges. The motivating factors were peer support and the psychological fulfillment by teaching critical lifesaving skills to young learners.