What keeps Northland general practitioners working in Northland?

AIMS

The aim of this study was to understand why general practitioners continue living and practicing in Northland.

METHODS

The study was qualitative in nature. Ten Northland GPs were interviewed. Interviews were analysed using an evolved grounded theory approach based on the sociological perspective of symbolic interactionism.

RESULTS

Results from the study indicated that doctors whose values, and those of their developing families, are compatible with the accessible and affordable experiences that the physical environment of Northland provides, will stay in Northland. This connection intertwines with the value of family commitments and opportunities in the region. Both will not be shaken by professional or practice factors that, if positive, will only reinforce the depth of commitment to the region.

CONCLUSIONS

When selecting students or GP registrars to provincial areas or recruiting new GPs to those areas, the values, family connections and lifestyle desires of the candidate and their family should match the environment offered by the region in order to improve retention in that region.