Investigating the sustainability of careers in academic primary care: a UK survey

This study seeks to quantify the current situation for academics within primary care. Methods: A survey of academic primary care staff was undertaken. Fifty-three academic primary care departments were selected. Members were invited to complete a survey which contained questions about an individual?s career, clarity of career pathways, organisational culture, and general experience of working within the area. Data were analysed descriptively with cross-tabulations between survey responses and career position (early, mid-level, senior), disciplinary background (medical, scientist), and gender. Pearson chi-square test was used to determine likelihood that any observed difference between the sets arose by chance. Results: Responses were received from 217 people. Career pathways were unclear for the majority of people (64%) and 43% of the workforce felt that the next step in their career was unclear. This was higher in women (52% vs. men 25%; ?2(3)?=?14.76; p?=?0.002) and higher in those in early career (50% vs. senior career, 25%) and mid-career(45%; vs. senior career; ?2(6)?=?29.19, p?
Source: BMC Family Practice - Category: Primary Care Authors: Source Type: research