Job strain and retirement decisions in UK general practice

Abstract

Background: Falling retention in UK general practice is a well-described problem but there has been little previous research into its underlying causes. Poor psychosocial work conditions may help explain falling workforce morale and early retirement from the profession.

Aims: To explore the impact upon morale and retirement decisions of changes in psychosocial aspects of UK general practice over the course of a career.

Methods: Biographical narrative interviewing method (BNIM) was used to obtain and analyse career narratives of 12 London general practitioners (GPs), aged 55-65, half of whom had retired. Findings were theorized using the Job Demands-Control-Support (JDCS) model.

Results: A spontaneous, consistent theme was evident across all 12 interviews: changes in the psychosocial work environment had contributed to a steady decline in morale. Sequential, multilayered reductions in autonomy were the most commonly cited causes for reduced enthusiasm. Increasing demands in the form of both a rising workload as well as a complaints culture drained energy and morale. The GPs described increasingly fragmented teams and therefore reduced social support for the role. Nonetheless, retirement decisions were not straightforward, provoking complex emotions.

Conclusions: The combination of increasing demands with reduced autonomy puts practitioners under intense strain, diminishing the satisfaction they derive from their work and affecting retirement decisions. The Job Demands-Control-Support (JDCS) model is an empirically tested model that could be used to inform improved work design in general practice.

Keywords: Job strain; physician health; psychosocial working conditions; retirement intention; wellness.