Primary care physicians' work conditions and their confidence in managing multimorbidity: a quantitative analysis...

Multimorbidity is a global issue that presents complex challenges for physicians, patients, and health systems. However, there is a lack of research on the factors that influence physicians' confidence in managing multimorbidity within primary care settings, particularly regarding physicians' work conditions.

Drawing on the Job Demands-Resources Model, this study aims to investigate the level of confidence among Chinese primary care physicians in managing multimorbidity and examine the predictors related to their confidence.

Data were collected from 224 physicians working in 38 Community Healthcare Centres (CHCs) in Shanghai, Shenzhen, Tianjin, and Jinan, China. Work-family conflict (WFC) perceived organizational support (POS), self-directed learning (SDL), and burnout were measured. Physicians' confidence was assessed using a single item. Mediation effect analysis was conducted using the Baron and Kenny method.

The results showed that the mean confidence score for physicians managing multimorbidity was 3.63 out of 5, only 20.10% rating their confidence level as 5. WFC negatively related physicians' confidence and POS positively related physicians' confidence in multimorbid diagnosis and treatment. Burnout fully mediated the relationship between WFC and physicians' confidence, and SDL partially mediated the relationship between POS and physicians' confidence.

The confidence level of Chinese primary care physicians in managing multimorbidity needs improvement. To enhance physicians' confidence in managing multimorbid patients, CHCs in China should address WFC and burnout and promote POS and SDL.