Doctor Retention in Ireland - Where Are the Failings That Prolong the Problem? Comment on "Doctor Retention: A Cross-sectional Study of How Ireland Has Been Losing the Battle".

Gozie Offiah,Consilia Walsh,Frank Murray

doi:10.34172/ijhpm.2020.163

Abstract

The issue of doctor retention has been a challenge in Ireland for many years. Poor working conditions including poor supervision, cost of training, bullying, worsening mentoring experiences and speciality specific issues are a substantial challenge faced by doctors in Ireland, thus leading to a higher degree of emigration. While some changes have been introduced to the system and have some positive effects, the root causes of doctor emigration have not been addressed. This commentary reviews the publication by Brugha et al published in the IJHPM in April 2020 on "Doctor Retention: A Cross-sectional Study of How Ireland Has Been Losing the Battle" and explains why the current system needs to change for the benefit of patient safety, doctor well-being and better patient care. Ireland’s Health Service Executive intends to take steps towards developing a new model of medical workforce to address the issue of recruitment and retention challenges within the healthcare system.

Highlights

Following the publication of two reports by the Department of Health on the Strategic Review of Medical Training and Career Structures: Report on Medical Career Structures and Pathways Following Completion of Specialist Training and the National Doctor Retention Strategy report, several recent articles including the article by Brugha et al published in IJHPM have addressed the issue of doctor retention in Ireland.[1]
Their article raises important concerns regarding doctor retention in Ireland. This commentary outlines why the current system needs to change and explores two options: a more integrated medical workforce model and better working conditions to include a shorter duration of training in an aim to address doctor retention issues in Ireland
Medical Workforce Model for Ireland In the last 20 years, there have been several reports published in relation to the medical workforce model for Ireland

Summary

Introduction

This commentary outlines why the current system needs to change and explores two options: a more integrated medical workforce model and better working conditions to include a shorter duration of training in an aim to address doctor retention issues in Ireland.

Results

Conclusion