Describing the factors related to rural podiatry work and retention in the podiatry workforce: a national survey

Journal of Foot and Ankle Research

Research

Hylton B. Menz¹  Terry Haines²  Cylie M. Williams³  Anna Couch³  Belinda O’Sullivan⁴ 

[1] La Trobe University, School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, 3086, Bundoora, VIC, Australia;Monash University, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Moorooduc Hwy, Frankston, Australia;Peninsula Health, Allied Health, 2 Hastings Road, 3199, Frankston, VIC, Australia;Monash University, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Moorooduc Hwy, Frankston, Australia;The University of Queensland, Rural Clinical School, 4350, Toowoomba, QLD, Australia;Murray Primary Health Network, 3550, Bendigo, Victoria, Australia;Monash University School of Rural Health, 3550, Bendigo, Victoria, Australia;

关键词: Podiatry;    Rural work;    Retention;    Professional satisfaction;    Rural training;    Rural background;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s13047-023-00603-5

 received in 2022-11-27, accepted in 2023-01-31,  发布年份 2023

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundMaldistribution of podiatrists limits capacity to address the footcare needs of the population. Understanding factors that impact recruitment and retention of Australian podiatrists is a key solution. The primary aim of this study was to describe factors related to rural podiatry work, and overall professional retention amongst Australian podiatrists.MethodsWe used data collected from the most recent relevant response of a cohort of Australian podiatrists between 2017 and 2020 of four online surveys. Person and job role variables known to impact current work and retention were collected. Logistic regression models were used to determine factors associated with rural work and intent to leave direct patient care or the profession entirely.ResultsThere were 1129 podiatrists (21% of 5429) who participated in at least one of the survey waves. Podiatrists who had a rural background (30%) were less likely to work in a metropolitan location (OR = 0.20, 95%CI = 0.11,0.37). Podiatrists who undertook a regional/rural placement during their undergraduate education (43%) were more likely to work in a metropolitan location (OR = 1.86, 95%CI = 1.38,2.51). Podiatrists who indicated they were planning to leave direct patient care within 5 years (n = 282, 26%), were less satisfied with working conditions (OR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.66, 0.92), less satisfied with opportunities to use their abilities (OR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.69, 0.99), perceived less personal accomplishment (OR = 0.94, 95% CI 0.86, 0.94) and less job satisfaction (OR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.91, 0.98). Podiatrists who indicated that they were planning to leave podiatry work entirely within 5 years (n = 223, 21%), were less satisfied with opportunities to use their abilities (OR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.62, 0.88), agreed they had a poor support network from other podiatrists (OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.13, 1.61), had less job satisfaction (OR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.86, 0.94), and did not have access to paid annual leave (OR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.38, 0.99).ConclusionFindings suggest ways to promote rural work, including selecting university students with rural backgrounds, and optimising the experience of rural placements which currently predict metropolitan practice. To retain podiatrists, it is important to ensure access to leave, professional support, and appropriate physical working conditions. Further research is required to understand why intention to leave is so high.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© The Author(s) 2023

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