Challenges of Physicians Working Long in Deprived Areas in Iran

Implementation of a program to support physicians’ working long in deprived areas is one of the most important programs of the Health System Transformation Plan in response to the challenge of the shortage of expert staff, particularly physicians. Numerous factors affect the persistence of physicians in different regions, especially in deprived ones. This study aims to explain the experiences of physicians in relation to the challenges of working long in deprived areas.

The present research is a qualitative study that was conducted in 2020 in Tehran, Iran. To achieve information saturation, 16 physicians and specialists were chosen using purposive sampling method. Then, for data collection, semi-structured interviews were used. Moreover, data analysis was performed using Graneheim and Lundman contractual content analysis method, and data management was done with MAXQDA software version 12. Furthermore, Lincoln and Guba reliability criteria were applied to achieve data accuracy and reliability.

Three female and 13 male physicians with a mean work experience of 45.4±7.8 years and an average work experience in deprived areas of 8±6.3 years participated in the study. Six participants were native to the region and the rest were non-native. Twelve participants in the study were the faculty members of the university. When the data were analyzed, 286 initial codes were extracted. The information was divided into four main categories and eleven subcategories. Welfare, motivation, justice and security were the main categories of this study.

Providing individual and social welfare for physicians, and fair treatment in financial payments and educational justice along with establishing security provide the necessary motivation for physicians to stay in a deprived area. Besides by combining several solutions at the same time, the presence of doctors in deprived areas can be guaranteed.