Exploring Workplace Communication Contributors to Primary Care Provider Experiences of Role Engagement

The current and anticipated shortage of primary care providers (PCPs) has increased scholarly and health system leader attention on how to attract and retain qualified PCPs. To date, the research literature in medicine and in health communication has not fully considered the ways in which role communication may shape PCP engagement. Drawing upon role theory and role communication research, this qualitative study explores varied workplace interactions that contribute to PCPs' experience of engagement. We conducted focus groups and individual interviews with 21 PCPs employed in family medicine practices at a Midwestern health system. We used a grounded, iterative approach consisting of multiple stages of analysis to identify emergent themes. Communication with patients, interactions with health leaders, and electronic communication via the MyChart patient portal and electronic health record system function as major contributors to PCP engagement. Findings extend role theory scholarship by identifying specific communicative phenomena that makes up engaging working conditions and add to the role communication research literature by drawing connections between engagement and social support. We offer ideas for practical interventions at the study health system and other, similar organizations that desire to improve provider engagement and well-being.