A new analysis by the University of Manchester has investigated how GPs in England endure increased job pressures, insufficient resources, and difficulty in finding locum cover in deprived neighbourhoods
It has been extensively reported that deprivation significantly impacts life expectancy, health, and well-being. The causes of health inequalities are complex; however, a potential factor is the disparity in the supply of high-quality health services.
Published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine and funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research, the researchers analysed data from over 8,500 GPs between 2015 and 2021 in the GP work-life survey.
Lead researcher Dr Michael Anderson, an NIHR Clinical Lecturer at The University of Manchester and practising GP commented: “This study shows how the socioeconomic deprivation of practice populations in England is adversely linked to the working conditions of the GPs that work there.
“We highlight a clear and persistent challenge in ensuring equitable healthcare provision.
“Without targeted investment and policy interventions, the difficulties faced by GPs in deprived areas will only continue to worsen, exacerbating health inequalities.”
The link between deprivation of practice population and pressure on GPs
The researchers looked at the relationship between deprivation of practice population and job pressures, job satisfaction, reported income, working hours, and intentions to leave direct patient care.
The researchers found that GPs in the most deprived areas earn less than those in wealthier areas, with an average difference of £5,525 less per year. They also found that despite higher job pressures, there were no differences in overall job satisfaction, hours worked per week, or intentions to leave patient care between GPs working in more and less deprived areas.
“This study shows how the socioeconomic deprivation of practice populations in England is adversely linked to the working conditions of the GPs that work there. We highlight a clear and persistent challenge in ensuring equitable healthcare provision,” added Dr Michael Anderson.
Professor Matt Sutton from The University of Manchester, senior author of the study, added: “Though deprived populations have higher needs for GP services, we know these areas have the most difficulty recruiting and retaining GPs.
“Our study is the first to examine how working in deprived areas affects the working lives of GPs. Addressing their concerns about increased job pressure and decreased resources would help reduce health inequalities.”
Working in deprived areas exacerbates retention issues
According to the researchers, the findings explain why working in areas of greater deprivation is less attractive to GPs, exacerbating workforce recruitment and retention issues.
Dr Anderson added: “Alongside financial incentives, non-financial incentives such as enhanced career development opportunities, including fellowships that incorporate time for additional training, research, and leadership responsibilities, could be a useful lever to promote GP recruitment and retention in areas of greater deprivation.
“We also think it’s important to acknowledge that we find no differences in hours worked per week, job satisfaction, or intention to quit direct patient care in more and less deprived areas.
“Despite the challenges experienced by GPs working in areas of greater deprivation, this suggests many rewarding aspects of working in areas of greater deprivation. A broader recognition by the GP community of the potential advantages of working in areas of greater deprivation would therefore be helpful to promote recruitment and retention.”
