Social integration of migrant physicians in inpatient rehabilitation

Abstract

Abstract Purpose In Germany, numerous inpatient rehabilitation facilities employ migrant physicians. Yet the remote location of many such institutions makes it difficult for migrant physicians to establish social relationships and networks near their place of employment. This lack of social resources has implications for employee retention, quality of life, and quality of care. In this light, our study examines the following questions: what social relationships do migrant doctors have access to? What challenges and opportunities do these relationships represent? Our aim is to provide concrete recommendations for stakeholders to improve the social integration of migrant physicians. Methodology Semi-structured interviews with 58 migrant physicians and their colleagues. Braun & Clarke thematic analysis. Results Migrant physicians' social relationships fall into four broad categories: friends and acquaintances in general, family, community of origin, and working team. Migrant physicians in our sample face difficulties in each of these four categories. Implications Establishing social relationships in rural and semi-urban areas is more difficult for migrants in general, and migrant physicians in particular. We propose a number of recommendations to overcome these challenges on several levels: individual, work team, institution, regional, and trans-regional. Key messages The integration of migrant physicians in inpatient rehabilitation facilities is challenging. Specific measures can help the retention of migrant physicians.