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Presentation
Examining the Trait of Grit and Satisfaction in Rural and Non-Rural Primary Care and Specialty Care Physicians
North American Primary Care Research Group Conference (2010)
  • Alex Reed
  • David Schmitz
  • Ed Baker, Boise State University
  • Ayaka Nukui, Boise State University
  • Ted Epperly
Abstract

Context: One potential psychological construct, grit, may help to explain the non-cognitive traits that account for both rural physician satisfaction and retention. Objective: We investigated (1) the psychological construct grit among rural and non-rural primary care/specialty care physicians, (2) satisfaction levels and (3), the relationship between the psychological construct grit and satisfaction across combinations of rural/non-rural and primary care/specialty care physicians. Design/Setting/Participants/Intervention/Instrument: We mailed a cross-sectional, 1-page questionnaire to all active members (2126) of the Idaho Medical Association and Idaho Academy of Family Physicians, measuring their self-reported level of grit, satisfaction level and area of specialty. Results: We received responses from 564 of 2126 physicians (26.5%). Overall, both non-rural and rural physicians, primary care and specialty care, reported similar levels of grit. All physicians reported lower levels of consistency of interest in their work. Rural and non-rural physicians reported higher levels of perseverance of effort and similar levels of ambition. 91.7% of physicians were satisfied with their current practice. Specialty care physicians reported a significantly higher difference in their levels of satisfaction with their practice compared to primary care physicians. Conclusions: Both primary care and specialty care physicians in both rural and non-rural settings reports themselves as individuals who work hard, persevere despite setbacks, and are ambitious. The interests of physicians who practice in Idaho are frequently evolving and changing. Moreover, most Idaho physicians, rural and non-rural, primary care and specialty care, are satisfied with their current practices.

Publication Date
November 13, 2010
Citation Information
Alex Reed, David Schmitz, Ed Baker, Ayaka Nukui, et al.. "Examining the Trait of Grit and Satisfaction in Rural and Non-Rural Primary Care and Specialty Care Physicians" North American Primary Care Research Group Conference (2010)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/ed_baker/17/