Abstract
Background
The challenges of recruiting and retaining rural GPs are well described. UK data suggests high levels of burnout, characterised by detachment, exhaustion and cynicism at work plays a role in GP turnover. The contrast to burnout is engagement with work, and whilst practices to promote engagement and to prevent burnout are established, this has not been well explored amongst rural GPs.
Aim
To qualitatively investigate GPs decisions to move or stay in rural areas through exploring the areas that can promote work engagement in these settings.
Design and Setting
A secondary analysis of qualitative data of Scottish GPs.
Method
A secondary analysis of 44 semi-structured interviews with GPs from across Scotland. Data was analysed thematically and the Areas of Worklife Scale (AWS) was used to structure data.
Results
Factors associated with burnout were identified and experienced as barriers to moving or staying rurally. Fear of dealing with pre-hospital emergency cases, clinical isolation and rural training were concerns. Personal factors such as lack of partner employment played a key role in migration decisions.
Factors associated with engagement were identified and experienced as facilitators for moving or staying rurally. Professional networks reduced professional isolation and rural GPs valued increased autonomy and time. Many felt rural GP was more aligned with their core professional values and highly valued the rural lifestyle for themselves and their families.
Conclusion
The migration choices of GPs to rural areas requires a holistic approach, involving rural communities and organisational level interventions, to be properly understood. Defining and protecting the core values of rural primary care has potential to promote a more engaged, less burnt-out rural GP workforce in Scotland.
The challenges of recruiting and retaining rural GPs are well described. UK data suggests high levels of burnout, characterised by detachment, exhaustion and cynicism at work plays a role in GP turnover. The contrast to burnout is engagement with work, and whilst practices to promote engagement and to prevent burnout are established, this has not been well explored amongst rural GPs.
Aim
To qualitatively investigate GPs decisions to move or stay in rural areas through exploring the areas that can promote work engagement in these settings.
Design and Setting
A secondary analysis of qualitative data of Scottish GPs.
Method
A secondary analysis of 44 semi-structured interviews with GPs from across Scotland. Data was analysed thematically and the Areas of Worklife Scale (AWS) was used to structure data.
Results
Factors associated with burnout were identified and experienced as barriers to moving or staying rurally. Fear of dealing with pre-hospital emergency cases, clinical isolation and rural training were concerns. Personal factors such as lack of partner employment played a key role in migration decisions.
Factors associated with engagement were identified and experienced as facilitators for moving or staying rurally. Professional networks reduced professional isolation and rural GPs valued increased autonomy and time. Many felt rural GP was more aligned with their core professional values and highly valued the rural lifestyle for themselves and their families.
Conclusion
The migration choices of GPs to rural areas requires a holistic approach, involving rural communities and organisational level interventions, to be properly understood. Defining and protecting the core values of rural primary care has potential to promote a more engaged, less burnt-out rural GP workforce in Scotland.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | BJGP Open |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Accepted/In press - 19 Nov 2024 |
Data Availability Statement
No data availability statement.Keywords
- rural
- recruitment
- retention
- burnout
- general practice
- Scotland