Migration of health workforce: results from Lithuanian survey of medicine students, residents and physicians
Background. Physicians’ number in Lithuania is amongst the highest in the European Union (EU). However, there are significant concerns that the future supply of health professionals will not meet the needs of society. This will affect accessibility to health care services. Especially this problem can be severe in regions. In order to tackle this challenge, we have to understand the career plans (especially related to migration) of present and future medical doctors. Aim. To evaluate the opinion of Lithuanian medicine students, residents and physicians about their plans and motives to emigrate to other countries. Methods. The survey was carried out from November 2022 to November 2023. We interviewed 497 medicine students (5–6 year), 199 residents and 671 physicians. Total sample size n = 1367. An anonymous questionnaire was used in this survey. Statistical analysis was done by Microsoft Excel. Results. It was found that 42.6% of 5–6 year medical students were considering leaving Lithuania. Residents and practising doctors were less interested in emigration (24.1% and 11.5% respectively). Among those who were planning to leave, the most considered to emigrate in the next 2–3 years (48.1% students, 40.7% residents, and 34.3% physicians). However, in all investigated groups most were planning to leave temporarily. A permanent migration was considered by one-third of respondents (31.2% students, 25.9% residents, 35.3% physicians). The main reasons for emigration were the following: higher salary (78.5% students, 67.2% residents, 46.0% physicians), better living conditions (7.2% students, 11.5% residents, 13.8% physicians) and more professional opportunities (7.6% students, 14.8% residents, 13.8% physicians). The most popular destinations for students and residents were Germany (respectively 38.8% and 18.1%) and Switzerland (22.4% and 19.0%). Physicians were more interested in moving to Norway (13.7%) or Sweden (11.6%). Conclusion. Our study has revealed, that intentions of migration are highly prevalent among present and future physicians. If these plans are realized, the Lithuanian healthcare system will face significant challenges. Therefore, there is an urgent need for dialogue between health policymakers and representatives of the health workforce to minimize the outflow of physicians in Lithuania. In order to observe the possible migration to the EU or other countries, a similar survey should be run every two to three years.