[Geographical distribution of family physicians: which solutions for a complex problem?]

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Medical Geography
• Public Health Policy

Context:

• Examines the geographical distribution of family physicians in Quebec over 35 years.
• Utilizes a configurational approach to understand intervention impacts based on internal and contextual consistency.

Purpose:

• To analyze the effectiveness of various interventions aimed at influencing the geographical distribution of family physicians.
• To identify key factors contributing to successful strategies for attracting physicians to underserved areas.

Summary:

• Implemented measures included training, incentives (positive/negative), support, and coercion since 2004.
• Selection of medical program applicants based on practice location prediction was rarely used.
• Improved intervention efficacy over time was linked to better consistency between intervention characteristics and their context.

Impact:

• Demonstrates that complex, multi-faceted interventions are more effective than single-lever approaches.
• Highlights the importance of aligning interventions with the specific context for successful healthcare professional distribution.