An analysis of recently recruited rural GPs found that connectedness influenced their thoughts about continuing their rural practice.
Not surprisingly, a supportive workplace, work-life balance and connection to rural communities were key factors in retaining doctors in rural and remote areas.
Connectedness
The study, conducted by the Australian National University (ANU), involved 21 recently recruited, domestically trained doctors and international medical graduates in a rural area of New South Wales.
Participants were divided into two groups – those who had completed their training in Australia and those who had completed their training internationally – and are now working in regional New South Wales.
The study examined three domains – personal, professional and geographical connectedness – to determine the importance of each in rural physician retention.
Study co-author Suzanne Bain-Donohue said all three were critical. “The results confirmed what we already know about nationally trained physicians. Those who grew up in a rural area or experienced rural living during medical school are more likely to be drawn to working in a rural area,” she said.
“They often strive for a certain lifestyle. For example, if they enjoy surfing and live near the beach, if their partner has fulfilling employment and their children have access to good educational opportunities, they are more likely to stay.”
Work-life balance
Doctors trained in Australia also rated a good work-life balance as important.
“For example, they are less comfortable when their patients approach them about health issues when they are not at work,” Bain-Donohue said.
“Unlike nationally trained physicians who, in most cases, have chosen to work in rural areas, many internationally trained physicians must do so to fill gaps in underserved areas. These international family doctors are much more likely to stay in the country if they are accepted, valued and feel part of their community.
“They want to build professional relationships with their patients and often want to give back to their community. Therefore, the need for separation between work and personal life may not be as important to them.”
Work and life satisfaction
One area where some international doctors saw room for improvement was professional. They reported that they had few opportunities to meet other physicians and develop professional relationships. Additionally, they expressed frustration with the lack of training opportunities available to them.
Their professional networks are often spread across a large geographical area, which often makes it difficult to find the support they need to advance their careers.
“Employee retention strategies must take into account the fact that people come from different backgrounds and there are many factors that need to be considered to ensure job and life satisfaction,” Bain-Donohue said.
“It would be a good start to focus on bringing together nationally and internationally trained GPs to build a professional support and development network.”
The study was published in PLOS Global Public Health.