Findings of Recruitment and Retention Survey – Consultants’ Perspective

Abstract

Aims

Recruitment and retention of medical staff is a national issue. Low level of staff means challenges in provision of adequate and efficient patientcare. There is a lack of flexibility for clinicians to get time for Supported Programmed Activity (SPA). Burn out of existing clinicians and loosing good will is common which increases patients’ complaint and potential risk of near misses and serious incidents. Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust (LPT) has significant challenge like many other neighbouring Trusts in term of recruitment and retention of consultant psychiatrists. The aim of this research was to find out proportion of consultant psychiatrists satisfied with current job and to explore their views on current difficulties and ways to support and retain them within their current Trust.

Methods

It was a cross-sectional survey. The target population was consultant psychiatrists working in LPT. An online questionnaire was developed for data collection. Data were gathered through open (free text) and close (options provided) questions. Information was collected regarding job satisfaction, positive and negative of job, difficulties and challenges in current role, willingness to continue work within Trust and if they would recommend friends or colleagues to join LPT. Results are reported in percentages for descriptive statistics.

Results

About 34% of the responders (n = 38) were satisfied with their current job, whereas about 45% reported unsatisfied or very unsatisfied. Regarding quality of admin support, nearly 40% were unsatisfied. Similarly, about 1/3 of the responders reported un-satisfaction with available office and clinic space for clinical and admin activities. Nearly 2/3 reported not getting adequate time for SPA activities, instead 37.5% reported 5 or more hours per week spending over their contracted hours. Over 97% said, their job can be more rewarding by acknowledging their contribution, involving them in Trust activities, provision of adequate clinic space, reducing case load with enhance recruitment. Surprisingly 71.1% reported thought of leaving LPT in the last six months and only 28.9% clearly stated, they would stay within Trust and also recommend a friend or a colleague to join.

Conclusion

Majority of the consultant psychiatrists were unsatisfied with their current job and reported thought of leaving Trust in the last six months. There is an urgent need to address the highlighted challenges and early discussion with them in term of what local Trust can offer and support them to ensure their retention and enhance recruitment while they are being advocate for the LPT.