Retaining the perinatal care workforce: Lessons learned from experienced physicians who no longer attend deliveries

Area of Science:

• Family Medicine
• Obstetrics
• Health Workforce Research

Background:

• Retention of family physicians (FPs) in perinatal care is crucial for maternal and infant health.
• Understanding factors influencing FP retention in obstetrics is vital for policy development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify physician characteristics associated with the retention of FPs in the perinatal care workforce.
• To inform policies aimed at supporting FPs in obstetrics.

Main Methods:

• Survey of FPs with at least 11 years of practice and delivery attendance experience.
• Comparison of characteristics between FPs continuing and ceasing perinatal care.
• Probit regression analysis and content analysis of open-ended responses.

Main Results:

• FPs continuing obstetrics were more likely to receive additional compensation (stipend/hourly) and work full-time.
• Key reasons for ceasing delivery attendance included lifestyle, call structure, and delivery volume.
• Part-time work was associated with a decreased likelihood of continuing obstetrics.

Conclusions:

• Policies should consider targeted compensation models and improved work-life balance to enhance FP retention in perinatal care.
• Addressing factors like call burden and lifestyle is essential to prevent attrition from obstetrics.