Table 2 Strategies used to establish rigour and trustworthiness in this study [20]

Credibility

The credibility of analysis was enhanced by having several researchers code the dataset, develop, review and define themes, and produce the report. The multidisciplinary research team provided triangulation of perspectives and increases the credibility of the findings. The involvement of medical students and recent medical graduates was particularly important, as they confirmed whether interpretations of the dataset resonated with their lived experiences.

Transferability

We are aware that the cohort of students who participated were in a unique situation due to COVID-19. We have highlighted ways in which the themes are of continuing importance in medical education, and provided details of the study’s context for readers to evaluate whether the findings have transferability to other settings.

Dependability

We have reported the method of data collection and steps of reflexive thematic analysis in detail. Notes were kept of meetings and key decisions during analysis, to provide an audit trail of the process.

Confirmability

The researchers met regularly to discuss our interpretations of the data, with opportunities for reflection. The reasons for theoretical, methodological and analytical choices have been described using the SRQR reporting standards [22] (Appendix 2) to ensure that we transparently reported our findings.