ArticleThe British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners2025
Exploring rural Scottish GPs' migration decisions: a secondary qualitative analysis considering burnout.
Article in The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
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Who cites it
1 citing paper in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.
- Stress and retention challenges among rural and regional physicians: a mixed-methods systematic review and framework for action.Journal of public health (Oxford, England) · 2026Pooled it
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Authors and funding
6 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundThe challenges of recruiting and retaining rural GPs are well described. UK data suggest high levels of burnout, characterised by detachment, exhaustion, and cynicism, plays a role in GP turnover. The contrast is engagement with work. There is limited evidence examining the relationship between work engagement and recruitment and retention in rural areas.
aimTo qualitatively investigate GPs decisions to move or stay in rural areas through exploring areas that can promote work engagement. DESIGN AND
settingThis was a secondary analysis of qualitative data with Scottish GPs.
methodA secondary analysis of 44 semi-structured interviews with GPs from across Scotland was undertaken. Data were analysed thematically and the Areas of Worklife Scale was used to structure data.
resultsFactors associated with burnout were identified and experienced as barriers to moving or staying rurally. Fear of dealing with pre-hospital emergency cases, clinical isolation, and rural training were concerns. Personal factors such as lack of partner employment played a key role in migration decisions. Factors associated with engagement were identified and experienced as facilitators for moving or staying rurally. Professional networks reduced professional isolation and rural GPs valued increased autonomy and time. Many felt being a rural GP was more aligned with their professional values and highly valued the rural lifestyle for themselves and their families.
conclusionOur data suggest that factors associated with engagement and burnout can contribute to rural GPs' migration decisions. We highlight four areas that could promote desirable work environments by mitigating burnout and promoting engagement at work.
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