Influencing Factors on Physicians' Retention in Training Hospitals of Qazvin University of Medical Sciences in 2017-2018

The uneven distribution of human resources in the health sector, especially in the medical profession, is a global phenomenon that poses a significant challenge to the population's access to quality health services. The aim of this study was to investigate the influencing factors on the retention of specialists and subspecialists working in training hospitals of Qazvin University of Medical Sciences in order to provide appropriate suggestions and practical solutions to increase their chances of survival in these areas.

This research is a descriptive-analytical study using conjoint analysis technique conducted between 2017 and 2018 among physicians. The study was conducted among 109 physicians who met the inclusion criteria of the study. DCE questionnaire was used to collect the research data. The collected data were entered into STATA software version 13 for statistical analysis and were statistically analyzed by Probit and Logistic regression models.

The results show that the probability of physicians' retention in the city of work is 1.2 times higher if they were allowed to work in the private sector (β = 1.2). Providing proximity to the family also doubles the chances of physicians' retention (β = 2.2). Provision of adequate educational facilities (β = 1.07), moderate clinical facilities (β = 1.18) and favorable accommodations (β = 1.12) also increase the likelihood of physicians' retention in the workplace.

Considering all factors identified as the preferences of physicians due to the limitations of resources and the existing legal requirements cannot be applied in planning and policy making in the field of health care. However, being aware of these factors and then considering legal considerations that are considered mandatory by the Ministry of Health and Medical Education can greatly help in making effective policies in the area of physician retention.