Migration intentions among Polish physicians - the profile of a potential migrant

Abstract

Abstract Background Polish physicians migration has become a subject of interest in the context of current shortage of medical staff. The exact scale of migration is unknown due to insufficient data. The main goals of the study were to: 1) evaluate the scale of migration intentions among doctors working in Polish hospitals, 2) identify the key predictors and barriers of migration, 3) investigate an association between doctors satisfaction and their tendency to migrate. Methods A quantitative, on-line survey of doctors working in Polish hospitals was conducted between March and June, 2018. 15 cross-nationally distributed hospitals (7 general, 5 specialist, 3 university) were included in the study. The statistical analyses included: associations between the intention to migrate and demographic characteristics as well as work-related variables and overall satisfaction. Simple and multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine which variables are significant predictors of the intention to migrate. Results 1.003 questionnaires were analyzed (response rate: 38%). 273 respondents declared the intention to migrate, including 45 (4.5%) answering ‘definitely yes’ and 228 (22.7%) ‘probably yes’. Men more often considered the option to migrate: 5.2% answered ‘definitely yes’ and 26.3% ‘probably yes’ in comparison to 3.7% and 19.0% respectively for females (p = 0.02). Childless physicians more often considered the option to migrate than those with kids (9.0% answered ‘definitely yes’ and 33.1% ‘rather yes’ vs 2.4% and 17.8%, respectively, p < 0.001). Almost 62% of doctors with the intention to migrate considered a temporary stay abroad. 70% of respondents indicated ‘leaving family’ as main migration barrier. Conclusions The intention to migrate is related to socio-demographic factors (gender, age, marital status, having children) and work-related factors (work experience, working hours). The intention to migrate is negatively related to physician satisfaction. Key messages The main reasons for the intention to migrate are: higher earnings abroad, better working conditions, the ability to achieve better work-life balance and better training opportunities. In Poland a holistic, systemic approach to health workforce planning should be implemented, including monitoring migration trends and improving working conditions.