Doctors With Dyslexia: Strategies and Support

Ms Gail Alexander, Ms Sharon Kibble, Dr Rachel Locke, Dr Richard Mann, Dr Samantha Scallan

Background

Looking beyond dyslexia as an individual doctor’s issue requires adjusting a working environment to better serve the needs of doctors with dyslexia. With an increasing number of doctors disclosing dyslexia at medical school, how is it best for educators to provide this support?  Our research looks at the impact of dyslexia on clinical practice and the coping strategies used by doctors to minimise the effect. 

Methods

Qualitative data was collected from 14 doctors with dyslexia using semi-structured interviews and by survey.  ‘In situ’ demonstration interviews were conducted in order to understand how dyslexia is managed in the workplace from first-hand experience. Employers and educators who have responsibility for meeting the needs of this group were also consulted.        

Findings

Even in cases of doctors who had a diagnosis, they often did not disclose their dyslexia to the employer.  Study participants reported having developed individual ways of coping and devised useful ‘workarounds’. Support from employers comes in the form of ‘reasonable adjustments’ although from our data we cannot be sure that such adjustments contribute to an ‘enabling’ work environment.  Supportive characteristics included the opportunity to shadow others and the time and space to complete paperwork on a busy ward. 

Discussion

Doctors with dyslexia need to be helped to feel comfortable enough to disclose.  Educators need to challenge any negative assumptions that exist as well as promote understanding about the elements that contribute to a positive working environment.  There is practice guidance available for educators to identify strategies and resources that are evidence based.