Factors Affecting Recruitment and Retention of Doctors in Rural Vietnam
Author Information
Author(s): Sophie Witter, Thi Thu Ha Bui, Shengalia Bakhuti, Marko Vujicic
Primary Institution: Health Portfolio, Oxford Policy Management
Hypothesis
What factors influence doctors' willingness to work and stay in rural areas of Vietnam?
Conclusion
Doctors in Vietnam prefer urban and higher-level positions due to better pay and working conditions, making rural retention a significant challenge.
Supporting Evidence
- Doctors prefer urban areas due to better salaries and working conditions.
- Rural areas face significant shortages of health workers.
- Financial incentives are crucial for motivating doctors to work in rural areas.
- Non-financial factors like career development and living conditions also influence retention.
- Government policies aim to improve rural health facilities and incentivize doctors.
Takeaway
Doctors in Vietnam want to work in cities because they earn more money and have better facilities, which makes it hard to keep them in rural areas.
Methodology
Qualitative research including key informant interviews, in-depth interviews with doctors, and focus group discussions with medical students.
Potential Biases
The sample was predominantly male, reflecting the gender balance in Vietnamese doctors, which may introduce bias.
Limitations
The study is based on a limited number of interviews in two provinces, which may not represent the entire country.
Participant Demographics
32 participants: 23 male and 9 female; ages ranged from 20 to 59.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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