Which positive factors determine the GP satisfaction in clinical practice? A systematic literature review

Abstract

BackgroundLooking at what makes General Practitioners (GPs) happy in their profession, may be important in increasing the GP workforce in the future. The European General Practice Research Network (EGPRN) created a research team (eight national groups) in order to clarify the factors involved in GP job satisfaction throughout Europe. The first step of this study was a literature review to explore how the satisfaction of GPs had been studied before. The research question was “Which factors are related to GP satisfaction in Clinical Practice?”MethodsSystematic literature review according to the PRISMA statement. The databases searched were Pubmed, Embase and Cochrane. All articles were identified, screened and included by two separate research teams, according to inclusion or exclusion criteria. Then, a qualitative appraisal was undertaken. Next, a thematic analysis process was undertaken to capture any issue relevant to the research question.ResultsThe number of records screened was 458. One hundred four were eligible. Finally, 17 articles were included. The data revealed 13 subthemes, which were grouped into three major themes for GP satisfaction. First there were general profession-related themes, applicable to many professions. A second group of issues related specifically to a GP setting. Finally, a third group was related to professional life and personal issues.ConclusionsA number of factors leading to GP job satisfaction, exist in literature They should be used by policy makers within Europe to increase the GP workforce. The research team needs to undertake qualitative studies to confirm or enhance those results.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12875-016-0524-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Which positive view of general practice do medical students and trainees have? A systematic literature review

“…This is in line with Deci and Ryan's self-determination theory [38]. Another important result of this literature review is that the positive factors for students are very similar to those for older GPs [39]. This supports a 'transgenerational' portrait of the doctor satisfied with his/ her job.…”

Practice Organization Characteristics Related to Job Satisfaction Among General Practitioners in 11 Countries

“…43 We reported lower dissatisfaction among GPs involved in different activities, both in their practices and outside, such as home visits and care coordination with hospitals. The idea that diversifying activities could be a source of well-being for GPs is an emerging one in the literature 27,44 and it could be an interesting option to improve GP satisfaction. Observation about practice sizes were also interesting in the current context of a transformation of general medicine.…”

“…Heavy workloads are commonly reported to be deleterious factors, whereas GPs generally value the organizational freedom and diversity of their work highly. [25][26][27][28][29][30] Regarding health care systems, many countries have recently made or experimented with sig-nificant changes to address the challenges of aging populations and concerns about cost containment. The strengthening of primary care, combined with greater regulation, is a frequently chosen option.…”

IMPROVEjob – Participatory intervention to improve job satisfaction of general practice teams: A model for structural and behavioural prevention in small and medium-sized enterprises – a study protocol of a cluster-randomised controlled trial

“…Poor job satisfaction is an ongoing issue across many job domains worldwide [1,2]. Due to the shortage of physicians in primary care in many countries increased research efforts are directed on how to maintain and improve job satisfaction in this workforce [3][4][5]. Studies in various general practice populations in Europe and beyond showed that job satisfaction is profoundly influenced by work-related factors [5][6][7].…”

“…Due to the shortage of physicians in primary care in many countries increased research efforts are directed on how to maintain and improve job satisfaction in this workforce [3][4][5]. Studies in various general practice populations in Europe and beyond showed that job satisfaction is profoundly influenced by work-related factors [5][6][7]. Factors that are known to decrease job satisfaction include too many working hours, administrative burdens, inadequate income, heavy workload as well as lack of time and recognition [7].…”