A survey of the factors involved in the emigration of South African radiologists
Date
2018
Authors
Moodley, Halvani
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Abstract
Introduction: The migration of doctors from developing to developed countries is a global trend, referred to as brain drain. The United Nations defined it as the unidirectional movement of highly skilled individuals from the developing to the developed world, such that only host countries profit. Medical brain drain is driven by a global shortage of healthcare workers, exacerbating the shortage in developing countries. There is a dearth of African literature about the intent of doctors to emigrate and the factors involved. No study about South African radiologists has been previously undertaken.
Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the demographics of South African radiologists with the potential to emigrate, their proposed destinations and intent to return. Push and pull factors, the role of teleradiology as an alternative to emigration and potentially modifiable push factors were assessed.
Method: The countrywide, voluntary, online, 13 question survey of radiologists and registrars from the RSSA member database in 2012, was augmented by paper questionnaire sampling at a congress in 2011 and by inviting prospective participants known by the researcher or supervisor.
Results: The response rate was 35% (190 from a sample of 550). 43% of South African radiologists had considered emigration, 19% desired to temporarily work or study abroad, whilst 4% were emigrating or had definite plans to emigrate. Australia and Canada were the most popular destinations (29% and 26% respectively). The major work related push factors were financial reasons and legislation (both 42%). The dominant socio-economic push factors were the high crime rate (71%), political (64%) and economic stability (54%).
Teleradiology was considered as a viable alternative to emigration by 64% of radiologists with no intention to emigrate.
Conclusions: 67% of South African radiologists have considered emigration due to push factors relating primarily to South Africa’s socio-political and economic stability whilst radiological push factors have a secondary role. Teleradiology may be a viable alternative to emigration for almost two thirds of radiologists with no intent to emigrate.
Description
A research report submitted to the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Medicine in Diagnostic Radiology
Johannesburg, 2017.