Influencing Factors for Expatriation Willingness of Chinese Medical Aid Team Members (CMATMs) in Africa: A Qualitative Descriptive Study

Abstract

Chinese medical aid team members (CMATMs) play an important role in the implementation of China’s health assistance strategies in Africa. This paper explored the influencing factors of expatriation willingness for Chinese medical aid team members (CMATMs). We employed a qualitative descriptive study using semi-structured interviews with twenty-five participants. Participants included hospital directors and local Health and Family Planning Commission (HFPC) officers who were in charge of CMATMs dispatching, and CMATMs that had returned from medical aid service. Six influencing factors emerged: career advancement, loneliness, living conditions, personal safety, family–work conflict, and doctor–patient relationship. Career advancement is the most important factor and concern for doctor CMATMs. Social use of Internet is on the core of entertainment. Enhancing technical title promotion policies is the most important motivator. This study obtained baseline information that is useful to relevant stakeholders in their attempts to improve CMATMs’ expatriation willingness.