Job satisfaction among Norwegian general practitioners

Abstract

Objective. To explore the level of job satisfaction among general practitioners (GPs) and to compare it with that of hospital doctors. Design. Postal questionnaire among Norwegian doctors in 2002 and similar data from 1994 and 2000 for most of the respondents. Material. A total of 295 GPs out of 1174 doctors completed the questionnaire (73% response rate). Main outcome measures. Self-reported levels of job satisfaction according to the Job Satisfaction Scale (JSS). Results. Norwegian GPs reported a high level of job satisfaction with a mean score on the JSS of 52.6 (10 is minimum and 70 maximum). The reported level of satisfaction was highest for their opportunities to use their abilities, cooperation with colleagues and fellow workers, variation in work, and freedom to choose own method of working. The GPs’ level of job satisfaction remained stable in 1994, 2000, and 2004 in spite of major health reforms. GPs report a higher level of job satisfaction than hospital doctors. Conclusions. In spite of international discussions on unhappy doctors and doctors’ discontent, Norwegian GPs do report a high and stable level of job satisfaction.