December 3, 2024- A recent survey examined some of the reasons behind a projected physician deficit.
McKinsey & Company based its seventh physician survey on the responses of 631 participants. Findings include survey categories such as physician turnover rates, retention challenges, why physicians leave jobs, workload and wellbeing, flexibility, inclusion in decision making, and delegation of tasks.
Approximately 35% of survey respondents indicated that they are likely to leave their current role in the next five years, according to the survey, and 60% say that they are likely to leave the clinical practice entirely. As physicians’ interest in leaving their position rises, industry turnover will consequentially increase. Fifty-eight percent of respondents showed that their desire to change jobs has grown over the past year.
When asked about the factors that influence a physicians’ decision to leave their job, respondents indicated that family needs were as critical as compensation. In the survey, 69% of respondents flagged a desire for higher remuneration. Other well-being factors, such as the demanding nature, emotional toll, and physical toll of work (66%, 65%, and 61%, respectively), were also key determinants. Other factors include whether the respondent was involved in workplace decision making, if they had sufficient staffing support, and if they had control over their workloads and wellbeing.