Browsing by Author "Kruger, Annelet"

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    Factors influencing career decisions of female doctors at Tshwane district hospital
    (Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2011-12) Kruger, Annelet; Bezuidenhout, Christie; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Health Sciences. Dept. of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences. Family Medicine and Primary Care.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Background: There is a shortage of medical doctors in the public sector in South Africa and retaining doctors is crucial. The gender profile of medicine is changing with more female than male graduates in South Africa. Research identified some of the reasons why doctors leave the public sector, but the factors influencing career decisions of female doctors at a district hospital have not been explored. Aim: To identify the factors that influence career choices of female doctors Tshwane District Hospital (TDH). Objectives: To describe the profile of female doctors at TDH, to explore how they experience their work and the relation it has to their family life, compare their level of job satisfaction and burnout with those of their male colleagues and to identify the factors that influence their career choices. Methods: The setting for the research is Tshwane District Hospital (TDH). A combination of qualitative and quantitative research techniques was used. Work-related challenges and factors influencing career decisions of female doctors were identified in an open in-depth focus group interview. The identified factors were validated through a self-administered questionnaire. Levels of job satisfaction and symptoms of burnout in female doctors were compared to those of males Results: Overtime duty, the workload at TDH, and problems with management were some of the identified challenges facing female doctors. Eight factors influencing career decisions of female doctors were identified. These include: having flexible working hours, being allowed to reduce overtime or work part-time, the salary, having benefits like maternity leave, having a predictable daily work schedule, the opportunity to work with under-privilege patients and having opportunity for academic stimulation and learning. The job satisfaction level of female doctors at TDH is comparable to those of males and both groups reported symptoms of burnout. Discussion: Young female doctors comprise the majority of the workforce at TDH. The challenges they face at work and at home contribute to diminished job satisfaction and a high incidence of symptoms of burnout. The resulting high turnover of doctors can negatively impact patient care. Recommendations: Improving working conditions and hospital management at TDH is needed. Considering work models that allow flexible work hours and part time work is recommended.
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    Factors influencing female doctors career decisions at Tshwane District Hospital, Pretoria
    (Taylor & Francis, 2015-11) Kruger, Annelet; Bezuidenhout, Christie
    Introduction: Most doctors at Tshwane District Hospital in Pretoria are women who experience difficulty combining a career with family responsibilities because of lack of flexitime or part-time posts. They are also frustrated by the hospital management’s apparent indifference to their concerns. Consequently, female doctors tend to leave Tshwane District to pursue their careers elsewhere. This study explored factors that influence the career choices of female doctors at Tshwane District Hospital in Pretoria. Method: Of sixty-two doctors working at Tshwane District Hospital in Pretoria between January 2008 and July 2011, 47 were traced, and 28 completed a four-part, self-administered questionnaire constructed round eight themes that emerged from a focus group discussion involving six female doctors. Questions on levels of burnout and job satisfaction, based on existing validated questionnaires, were included. Of the 28 doctors who completed the questionnaire, 19 were female and nine male. The median age group was 30–39 years. Results: Forty-six per cent of doctors reported overall job satisfaction. Female doctors were less satisfied than male doctors. Sixty-four per cent reported symptoms of burnout, while a worrying 18% reported either persisting symptoms or complete burnout. The majority of female doctors would prefer to work flexitime and to have the option of part-time employment in an academically stimulating environment. Many of the doctors who participated in the study at Tshwane District Hospital plan to pursue their careers outside the public sector in order to balance their family responsibilities with their professional lives. Conclusion: Female doctors at Tshwane District Hospital reported having low job satisfaction, an inflexible work schedule, a heavy workload and being given little recognition for their contribution. Together, these factors probably account for the high turnover of doctors at Tshwane District Hospital. If doctor retention is to be improved in public sector facilities, such as Tshwane District Hospital, the particular needs of female doctors with family responsibilities must be addressed.