Career satisfaction of Polish physicians – evidence from a survey study

Abstract Background Understanding physician satisfaction and the factors associated are relevant for physicians, their patients and decision makers. We conducted the first national-wide study evaluating the satisfaction of Polish doctors using a multidimensional approach. The aims of this study were to: 1) measure the career satisfaction of physicians working in Polish hospitals, and 2) identify the factors associated with higher levels of career satisfaction. Methods A quantitative, on-line survey among 15 nation-wide distributed Polish hospitals (7 general, 5 specialists, and 3 university) was conducted between March and June 2018. A 17-item questionnaire was used to measure satisfaction on a scales from 1.00 to 6.00, as well as their personal, professional, performance, and inherent satisfaction levels. In total, 1.003 questionnaires were included in the study (response rate=38%). Unconditional associations and multivariable regressions models were used to evaluate associations between satisfaction levels and their demographic and work-related factors. Results The mean level of physician satisfaction was 4.10 (SD = 0.69). Almost 57% of the doctors reported being from “somewhat satisfied” to “very satisfied” with their careers; although, only 8.2% reported being satisfied or very satisfied with their career (≥5.00). Doctors reported high levels of inherent satisfaction (mean=4.4, SD = 0.66) and low levels of personal satisfaction (mean=3.78, SD = 0.98). Age and work experience were positively and significantly associated with satisfaction. Conclusions The satisfaction of Polish physicians is moderate. Doctors reported higher levels of satisfaction with their interactions with direct supervisor, other physicians, nurses, doctor-patient relationships and the lowest satisfaction with the salary and work-life balance. Gender, numbers of working hours/week; years of work experience and the stage of professional development were the factors associated with higher satisfaction. Key messages The satisfaction of physicians working in Polish hospitals is moderate. The current shortage of Polish physicians makes their satisfaction especially significant for motivation and retention. Physician satisfaction is an important indicator for managers. Attention regarding levels and factors affecting doctors’ satisfaction should be one of the key issues of health workforce management.