What are the main motivating factors for young general practitioner trainees to work in rural areas in the Czech Republic?

Abstract

Purpose The global health workforce suffers long-term understaffing in remote and underserved areas. To attract young doctors for rural work, it is necessary to identify the main motivating factors.Materials and methods The pilot survey with 201 general practitioner trainees in the Czech Republic was conducted using a structured questionnaire. The response rate was 67%.Results Not only financial support motivates general practitioner trainees for rural work. A combination of incentives from sources other than medical would greatly increase the chance for general practitioner trainees to work in rural regions.Conclusions To what extent can the survey outcomes relate with other European regions needs to be investigated further.

Keywords

• Motivating factors
• young GPs
• rural general practice