Job satisfaction, health and psychosocial wellbeing among medical doctors in public hospitals in Calabar, Nigeria: a qualitative study

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess job satisfaction, health and psychosocial wellbeing of doctors in public hospitals in Calabar using indepth qualitative method.

Methods: Two focused group discussions were conducted among male and female resident doctors. Doctors were selected purposively giving considerations to departments, hierachy and the hospitals. Doctor selection also involved the three major public hospitals in Calabar and five different departments/specialties. A focus group discussion guide was used to direct discussion and a digital audio recorder was used to record discussion with permission from participants. A research assistant also took notes during the sessions. The discussions were transcribed from the audio recorder and compared with the notes taken. Thematic analysis was done and narratives of the discussion was reported.

Results: Participants expressed general satisfaction with their work. Reasons expressed for job dissatisfaction from some participants included poor salary, inadaquate tools and consumables, and dissatisfaction with level of training from consultants. Areas of the work environment in which discussants were most satisfied included opportunities for learning and career development, appreciation from patients and patients' relatives. Least satisfaction was derived from high level of mortality in a department, inadequate tools to work with, poor facilities, poor supervision, poor coworkers perception of their specialities, and inability to rest after calls. Regarding health, discussants suffered headaches, backaches, malaria, social stress from being away from family, inadequate sleep, and fear of patient assault.

Conclusion: Hospial managment could improve doctors' job satisfaction by carrying out regular and adequate maintenance of hospital facilities and provide ergonomically suitable environment for resident doctors. Clinical team leads could also improve the opportunities for engagement with their subordinates.

Keywords: Healthcare provider satisfaction, thematic analysis, hospital management, psycho-social work environment