title: Understanding quit decisions in primary care: a qualitative study of older GPs.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the reasons behind intentions to quit direct patient care among experienced general practitioners (GPs) aged 50-60 years.
  
  
  METHODS
  Qualitative study based on semistructured interviews with GPs in the South West region of England. Transcribed interviews were analysed thematically.
  
  
  METHODS
  23 GPs aged 50-60 years: 3 who had retired from direct patient care before age 60, and 20 who intended to quit direct patient care within the next 5 years.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The analysis identified four key themes: early retirement is a viable option for many GPs; GPs have employment options other than undertaking direct patient care; GPs report feeling they are doing an (almost) undoable job; and GPs may have other aspirations that pull them away from practice. Findings from this study confirmed those from earlier research, with high workload, ageing and health, family and domestic life, and organisational change all influencing GPs' decisions about when to retire/quit direct patient care. However, in addition, GPs expressed feelings of insecurity and uncertainty regarding the future of general practice, low morale, and issues regarding accountability (appraisal and revalidation) and governance. Suggestions about how to help retain GPs within the active clinical workforce were offered, covering individual, practice and organisational levels.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This research highlights aspects of the current professional climate for GPs that are having an impact on retirement decisions. Any future changes to policy or practice to help retain experienced GPs will benefit from this informed understanding of GPs' views. Key factors to take into account include: making the GP workload more manageable; managing change sympathetically; paying attention to GPs' own health; improving confidence in the future of general practice; and improving GP morale.
authors.affiliation: University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sansom
authors.affiliation: University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK.
authors.forename: Raff
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Calitri
authors.affiliation: University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK.
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Carter
authors.affiliation: University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Campbell
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D058005:General Practitioners / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012179:Retirement / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
keywords: PRIMARY CARE; QUALITATIVE RESEARCH; retirement; workforce