Describing the factors related to rural podiatry work and retention in the podiatry workforce: a national survey

Abstract

Background Maldistribution of podiatrists limits capacity to address the footcare needs of the population. Understanding factors that impact recruitment and retention of Australian podiatrists is a key solution. The primary aim of this study was to describe factors related to rural podiatry work, and overall professional retention amongst Australian podiatrists. Methods We used data collected from the most recent relevant response of a cohort of Australian podiatrists between 2017 and 2020 of four online surveys. Person and job role variables known to impact current work and retention were collected. Logistic regression models were used to determine factors associated with rural work and intent to leave direct patient care or the profession entirely. Results There were 1129 podiatrists (21% of 5429) who participated in at least one of the survey waves. Podiatrists who had a rural background (30%) were less likely to work in a metropolitan location (OR = 0.20, 95%CI = 0.11,0.37). Podiatrists who undertook a regional/rural placement during their undergraduate education (43%) were more likely to work in a metropolitan location (OR = 1.86, 95%CI = 1.38,2.51). Podiatrists who indicated they were planning to leave direct patient care within 5 years (n = 282, 26%), were less satisfied with working conditions (OR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.66, 0.92), less satisfied with opportunities to use their abilities (OR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.69, 0.99), perceived less personal accomplishment (OR = 0.94, 95% CI 0.86, 0.94) and less job satisfaction (OR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.91, 0.98). Podiatrists who indicated that they were planning to leave podiatry work entirely within 5 years (n = 223, 21%), were less satisfied with opportunities to use their abilities (OR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.62, 0.88), agreed they had a poor support network from other podiatrists (OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.13, 1.61), had less job satisfaction (OR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.86, 0.94), and did not have access to paid annual leave (OR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.38, 0.99). Conclusion Findings suggest ways to promote rural work, including selecting university students with rural backgrounds, and optimising the experience of rural placements which currently predict metropolitan practice. To retain podiatrists, it is important to ensure access to leave, professional support, and appropriate physical working conditions. Further research is required to understand why intention to leave is so high.

Financial characteristics and security of podiatry work in Victoria: the PAIGE cross sectional study of Australian podiatrists

“…Approval for PAIGE was provided by the Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee (7871). Details of the PAIGE study methods are published in detail elsewhere [15]. We used the CHERRIES (Checklist for Reporting Results of Internet E-Surveys) to guide collected data reporting [16].…”

“…The PAIGE survey questions were based on the Medicine in Australia: Balancing Employment and Life (MABEL) study [18]. Data were collected as per the PAIGE study methodology [19] and details related to data domains collected in each wave are published elsewhere [15]. Wave 1 survey is provided as Supplementary File 1.…”

Financial characteristics and security of podiatry work in Victoria: the PAIGE cross sectional study of Australian podiatrists

“…The PAIGE survey questions were based on the Medicine in Australia: Balancing Employment and Life (MABEL) study [18]. Data were collected as per the PAIGE study methodology [19] and details related to data domains collected in each wave are published elsewhere [15]. Wave 1 survey is provided as Supplementary File 1.…”

“…In contrast, podiatrists who are contracted typically work as sole traders and are responsible for making their own contributions to a superannuation scheme [6], and do not always have access to leave entitlements. A recent study of Australian podiatrists identified that 16% (180 of 1,129) work in these contracted arrangements and 51% (573 of 1,129) are salaried employees [7].…”

Burnout in podiatrists associated with individual characteristics, workplace and job satisfaction: A national survey

“…Burnout remains a common problem affecting podiatrists. A recent survey focusing on Australian podiatrists found that 35% of respondents experienced burnout, which was associated with an intention to leave the profession [ 5 ].…”