Incentives to attract and retain qualified health workers to under-served areas within low and middle income countries
Job Satisfaction based incentives to attract and retain qualified health workers to under-served areas in western China
In twelve provinces of western China, deterioration of the natural environment, and social and economical factors are negatively impacting rural people’s health and poverty. At the same time, these provinces face an increasing shortage of qualified rural health workforce, due to many factors including local, cultural, environmental and work-related matters. This situation highlights the need for new incentives to attract qualified health workers in western under-served areas and calls for research to provide the information needed to inform relevant policy.
In this study, four of 12 western Chinese provinces were selected to determine practical, effective and adaptable incentives to attract and retain an appropriately qualified health workforce to under-served areas of western China. The research is based on an evaluation of health workforce job satisfaction and stabilization, and will result in evidence-based strategies and recommendations for policy-makers.
The methodology will include questionnaires and field surveys, in-depth interviews and focus group studies with key informants. These will be analysed to determine the appropriate incentives required to attract health staff. The study will also undertake a literature review, Delphi consulting, principal factor analysis, multi-logistic regression, fish-bone chart and other appropriate statistical and social analytical processes to devise relevant incentives and strategies. In its detailed design and implementation, the project will pay close attention to the needs of local communities, and will take into account cultural norms and the social expectations of women and men in the utilization of health services. Similarly, the differing needs and expectations of women and men health workers will be carefully analysed to ensure the relevance of the study’s recommendations.
The project results will be used in policy-making and in health administration by local government and health departments and disseminated to other relevant organizations.
Project description
Programme: Incentives to attract and retain qualified health workers to under-served areas within low and middle income countries
Research title: Job Satisfaction based incentives to attract and retain qualified health workers to under-served areas in western China
Thematic Research Area: Human Resources for Health
Grantee Country: China
Grantee Institution: Department of Public Health Management, Ningxia Medical University
Program Coordinator/Principle Investigator: Professor Lingui Li
Start date: March 2009
Status of grant: Completed