Designing a Thematic Network of Employee Experience in the Health System: A Qualitative Study at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences

Abstract

This study aimed to identify and conceptualize the dimensions and components of employee experience at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences to design a thematic network for employee experience management in the healthcare system. This qualitative research employed a developmental–applied approach using thematic analysis. Participants included executive experts and faculty members of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 16 participants between December 2022 and June 2023. Thematic analysis followed Braun and Clarke’s six-phase model, and data validation was performed using Guba and Lincoln’s four criteria: credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability. The analysis resulted in 151 initial codes, 28 basic themes, 7 organizing themes, and 2 overarching themes. Identified themes were categorized into two main dimensions: human-centered and organization-centered. Human-centered themes included managerial support, motivation, teamwork, and appreciation culture, while organizational themes covered fair performance evaluation, employer branding, efficient technology, and a supportive work environment. The intercoder reliability coefficient was 0.88, confirming the consistency of coding. The findings revealed that employee experience in the healthcare system is a multifaceted phenomenon influenced by organizational, human, cultural, and technological factors. The developed thematic network offers managers a deeper understanding of employees’ perceptions, enabling them to formulate effective strategies to enhance job satisfaction, productivity, and service quality in healthcare institutions.