Comparison of British and French expatriate doctors’ characteristics and motivations

Abstract

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to analyse the migration of doctors between the UK and France, in an attempt to identify the reasons for these migrations.DesignThis was a cross-sectional study conducted using a self-completed questionnaire.SettingThe questionnaire was sent to all British doctors practising in France and to all French doctors practising in the UK.ParticipantsThe doctors were identified, thanks to official data of the National Medical Councils. There were 244 French doctors practising in the UK and 86 British doctors practising in France.Outcome measuresA questionnaire was specifically developed for the study to determine the reasons why doctors moved to the other country and their level of satisfaction with regard to their expatriation.ResultsA total of 98 French doctors (of 244) and 40 British doctors (of 86) returned the questionnaire. The motivations of the two studied populations were different: French doctors were attracted by the conditions offered by the National Health Service, whereas British doctors were more interested in opportunities for career advancement, moved to join a husband or wife or to benefit from favourable environmental conditions. Overall, the doctors who responded considered the expatriation a satisfactory experience. After expatriation, 84% of French doctors were satisfied with their new professional situation compared with only 58% of British doctors.ConclusionsThis study, which is the first of its kind and based on representative samples, has led to a clearer understanding of the migration of doctors between France and the UK.

Integration and retention of American physician assistants/associates working in English hospitals: A qualitative study

“…Existing literature is strong on examining the motivational factors influencing the movement of skilled health professionals between high-income countries, with a complex range of interlocking personal and professional push-pull factors identified at the micro, meso and macro level [17][18][19][20][21][22][23]. There is also evidence on the personal and professional issues affecting their integration and retention in hospitals.…”

“…There is also evidence on the personal and professional issues affecting their integration and retention in hospitals. Facilitators include improved working conditions, better training and career opportunities, increased patient contact, and attractive lifestyle [20][21][22]. Barriers encompass diminished status, professional isolation, and restricted skill-sharing and career development [19,20,24].…”

Expatriates’ Multiple Fears, from Terrorism to Working Conditions: Development of a Model

“…As far as economic crisis is concerned, economic stress might be more frightening for those who have more invested in the company, such as expatriates. In fact, these workers, being away from home for extended periods of time, are completely absorbed by their job and, therefore, they may be an easier target for contagious negative emotional cycles ( Quantin et al, 2012 ). Moreover, they could be most affected by the psychological impacts of the economic crisis and its consequences as they have lower levels of social support ( Fernandez et al, 2015 ).…”

Veterinary migration: why do vets move abroad?

“…Although there is limited evidence relating to migration of veterinary professionals, much more is known about the migration of other professions. The medical profession, for instance, has spent time analysing the reasons for the migration of doctors and nurses, and its effects on medical practice (Quantin and others 2012, Bidwell and others 2013, Gauld and Horsburgh 2015, Humphries and others 2015a, b, Taylor and others 2015).…”

“…The medical profession, for instance, has spent time analysing the reasons for the migration of doctors and nurses, and its effects on medical practice (Quantin and others 2012, Bidwell and others 2013, Gauld and Horsburgh 2015, Humphries and others 2015a, b, Taylor and others 2015). …”