Specialty (if any): Primary Care

Keywords: Primary Care Physicians, Urban Healthcare, Recruitment and Retention

Background: The primary care landscape in urban under-resourced communities, significantly shaped by recent technological and policy shifts, faces ongoing challenges in physician recruitment and retention. Research has identified key motivators for primary care physicians (PCPs), but evolving healthcare policies call for ongoing analysis to develop effective strategies to improve the workforce.

Objective: This study aims to explore and understand the perspectives of PCPs working in urban under-resourced communities, investigating current motivators and barriers that affect their recruitment and retention. The research is ongoing and also seeks to provide preliminary insights into how recent healthcare developments influence the physician workforce.

Methods: This ongoing qualitative study uses one-on-one interviews with PCPs (n=20) in under-resourced communities in Los Angeles County. We developed and pretested an interview tool with open-ended questions. Interviews are audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Analysis involves reviewing transcripts for themes related to PCP availability, the influence of technology and policy changes, physician well-being, operational challenges, and strategies for improvement.

Results: In this ongoing qualitative study, which has received IRB approval and included pretesting of the interview tool, preliminary findings identify critical themes. Personal background significantly motivates PCPs, with many citing community ties as a key factor. Telehealth has notably improved accessibility and flexibility, while expanded Medi-Cal access has enhanced service provision. However, challenges such as high patient loads and EMR complexities remain. Additionally, diverse roles and supportive environments are crucial for maintaining high job satisfaction.

Conclusions: The study, still in progress, indicates substantial barriers in operational processes and policy that hinder effective healthcare in underserved areas. Continued research is essential to develop informed policies that enhance care quality and access. Final recommendations, aimed at improving sustainability in healthcare delivery, will be based on comprehensive analysis upon study completion.