title: Doctors in rural hospitals in KwaZulu and Natal.
abstract: Maintaining adequate medical staffing in rural hospitals remains a serious problem. A study was undertaken to discover why doctors came to work in rural hospitals, why they stay, and why they leave. Doctors in rural hospitals in KwaZulu and Natal were surveyed using a postal questionnaire. A total response rate of 74% was obtained. Based on the results, specific recommendations are made for improving working conditions and training and the support needs of doctors in rural hospitals.
authors.affiliation: Department of Community Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Edginton
authors.forename: H L
authors.initials: HL
authors.lastname: Holst
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002321:Career Choice; D006780:Hospitals, Rural; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D011365:Professional Practice Location; D013019:South Africa; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D000078329:Workforce