Assessing job satisfaction among family physicians: An Indian perspective across different practice settings.

Abstract

In India, there has been no or inadequate studies assessing practice factors and their effect on job satisfaction among the practicing family physicians. To assess professional satisfaction among family physicians in India. To study factors associated with professional satisfaction among Family physicians practicing in India. It is a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study. Two groups of doctors were included. Group A: Doctors practicing as family physicians without NMC recognized residency training (those with MBBS or post- MBBS fellowships or diplomas in Family Medicine through distance education, non-residentially trained). Group B: Doctors practicing as Family Physicians with NMC recognized residency training in Family medicine (Residentially trained-MD, DNB or DFM-NBEMS). Job satisfaction for work-life balance, income, professional growth is higher among hospital-based practitioners and residentially trained doctors compared to community practice doctors and non-residentially trained doctors among Indian family doctors. Monthly income of more than one lakh rupees is associated with satisfaction for work-life balance, monthly income, professional growth and overall satisfaction. long working hour, day care facility, home visits and focused practice are the common associated factors for lower satisfaction. Practising entire spectrum of general practice, minor surgeries and, established referral system are common associated factor for higher satisfaction.