Factors influencing the migration of Iranian healthcare professionals: A qualitative study

Abstract

BackgroundThe migration of healthcare specialists from developing countries has increased in recent years. This has caused a rapid reduction in the access to and quality of healthcare services in such countries. The aim of this study is to evaluate the factors affecting the migration of specialist human resources in Iran’s healthcare system.MethodsThis is a qualitative study, which was carried out through semi-structured interviews between 2015 and 2016. For sampling, purposive sampling method with maximum variation sampling was used. Further, data saturation was observed by conducting 21 interviews, and data analysis was performed using the MAXQDA10 content analysis software.ResultsFactors affecting the migration of specialists were classified into five key themes, including structural, occupational, personal, socio-political and economic factors. These themes consisted of 12 categories and 50 subcategories. The most important factors affecting the migration of our study population were structural issues, occupational problems, and personal concerns.ConclusionIdentification of factors influencing migration is the first step to prevent the migration of specialist human resources. Implementing the recommendations proposed in this study would assist to prevent migration of medical professionals.

Developing customer satisfaction index in Iranian public higher education

“…In general, the primary causes of the brain drain in Iran can be categorized into four groups of economic, social, political and educational (Asadi et al , 2018).…”

Factors influencing the migration intention of health professionals in low and middle income countries: Critical review with a theoretical model

“…Health system Poor income [22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35] , selective system of students and academic members 34 , oversaturation of job market 25…”

“…Poor economic condition and devaluation of national currency 15,30,34 , high costs of living 31,36 Political Insecurity and high level of crime 12,22,25,30,32,34,[36][37][38][39][40] , political instability 22,25,28,29,39,41,42 , terrorism 27 , freedom of expression 34,40 , high level of corruption 12,25,36 , 9 favoritism 27,28,39 , lack of meritocracy 34 , poor law and order enforcemen t3 5…”

“…Gender inequalities 34 , ethnic and racial discriminations 12 , low quality of social services, culture of migration and social pressure 22,[24][25][26][27]40,41 , poor social rights 25 , religious conflicts 27,30,34 Meso-level: Professional factors…”

“…Unavailability of enough post graduate training opportunities 22,24,25,28,29,31,35,[39][40][41][42][43][44] , limitation of positions in a particular specialty and academic career 25 , unfair competition for training position 25 , inexplicit curriculum 25,32 , poor research opportunities and networking 15,25,28,34 , limitation on career opportunities 22,27,32,33,35,37,39,41,45 , poor access to enhanced technology 23,34 , role modeling of instructors 24 , poor quality of training 26,27,30,34,38 , lack of using optimal knowledge and experiences of graduates 34 Work conditions Poor work environment and infrastructures 15,22,[26][27][28][29][31][32]…”