Which psycho-demographic factors predict a doctors intention to leave New Zealand general practice?
AIM: To assess the predictive ability of various demographic and psychological variables in respect of New Zealand general practitioners’ (GPs’) intention to leave general practice. METHODS: 1000 GPs were surveyed. Demographic variables measured were gender, age, life status, income, hours worked, and work arrangements. Psychological variables measured were satisfaction with general practice (measured by a single item), and commitment to general practice (measured by the Meyer and Allen1,2 three-component model questionnaire). Intention to leave general practice was measured at two time intervals: within 6 months and within 5 years. RESULTS: The response rate was 58%. Twelve percent of GPs indicated an intention to leave general practice within 6 months, and nearly 30% indicated an intention to leave within 5 years. Despite these intentions, the reported level of satisfaction was reasonably high (mean score 3.67/5) as was the level of commitment (overall 72% reported being committed to
