KEY DETERMINANTS FOR RETENTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF MEDICAL SPECIALISTS IN BULGARIA

Abstract

Introduction: The shortage of medical specialists and the lack of motivation for work and professional development/carrier among healthcare workers due to different reasons, such as low level of salary, burnout, stress, deteriorated working conditions, etc., threaten the effective functioning of the healthcare system in Bulgaria. Human resources in the healthcare sector are a key prerequisite for improving the health status of citizens. Aim: The article aims to outline guidelines and to indicate the gaps in the implemented policies and measures for retention and development of medical specialists in Bulgaria. Material and methods: The empirical analysis is based on an author’s survey conducted through online platform www.survey.bg in the period February-April 2022 among 344 Bulgarian healthcare professionals. The results of the survey were processed with Microsoft Excel, v.16.55. Results: The insufficient remuneration, the difficulties for professional and career development like the lack of specialization opportunities, the overload, the burnout, and the stress as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, complicates and causes to test the medical specialists who, despite the difficulties, prefer to live and work in the national health sector. Moreover, the aging of medical specialists in the country (60% of physicians are older than 50 years and 30% of practicing nurses are 61+) and physicians deficit in different specialties like neonatology, infectious diseases, and pediatrics significantly complicate the provision of healthcare services to the population. Conclusion: The study shows the attitudes of respondents regarding the Bulgarian healthcare system and points out the shortcomings related to the professional development of healthcare workers. In order to improve working conditions and increase the motivation and satisfaction of medical specialists, the government should urgently implement long-term policies for their retention, sustainability and development.