Reasons for the relocation of contracted family physicians and job satisfaction

Abstract

Abstract Aim The aim of this study was to determine the reasons for the relocation of contracted family physicians and the relationship of this situation with burnout and job satisfaction status. Methods This study was conducted with contracted family physicians in Bursa province between May 2019 and December 2019. The physicians were visited in the family health centres where they worked. The participants were asked to fill out a socio-demographic data form, Maslach Burnout Inventory Scale and Minnesota Job Satisfaction Questionnaire. In addition, physicians who had relocated were asked to fill out a questionnaire examining the reasons for this change. Results The most common reasons for the relocation of physicians were distance from home (65.30%), novelty seeking (25.60%) and burnout (24.80%). Being female (P = 0.004), duration of medical experience (P < 0.001), shorter time passed in family practice (P = 0.043) and job dissatisfaction (P = 0.006) were risk factors for relocation in a regression analysis model. Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed a cut-off point value for the Minnesota overall score as ≤3. Conclusions In family practice, it is favourable to provide continuity of care to the patient with the same physician. However, migration of physicians within the province for social and cultural reasons to more prosperous regions, often to where they live, was observed. Young female family doctors will probably continue to migrate to better locations within the city regardless of payment advantages in poor settlements. The roles of female physicians in society (as mother, wife and daughter) may have an effect on this preference.