A survey of the tuberculosis physician workforce in the country of Georgia

• Authors: D.S. Graciaa, Emory University; M. Machaidze, New York University; M. Kipiani, National Center for Tuberculosis & Lung Diseases; M. Buziashvili, National Center for Tuberculosis & Lung Diseases; K. Barbakadze, National Center for Tuberculosis & Lung Diseases; Z. Avaliani, National Center for Tuberculosis & Lung Diseases; Russell Ryan Kempker, Emory University
• Journal Title: International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease
• Volume: Volume 22, Number 11
• Publisher: International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease | 2018-11-01, Pages 1286-+
• Type of Work: Article | Post-print: After Peer Review
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.5588/ijtld.18.0085
• Subjects: Health Sciences, Medicine and Surgery; Health Sciences, Public Health
• Keywords: Science & Technology; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; Infectious Diseases; Respiratory System; health care workers; TB; training; job satisfaction; INFECTIOUS-DISEASES; DRUG-RESISTANCE; SATISFACTION; CHALLENGES; MEDICINE; FUTURE; FIT

Abstract

SETTING: A well-trained and sufficient tuberculosis (TB) workforce is essential for disease control, especially in an era of newly implemented diagnostics and medications. However, there are few reports on the status of the TB workforce in many endemic countries. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the demographics, salary, career satisfaction, and attitudes towards the field of TB among the physician TB workforce in the country of Georgia. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study of physicians in the current Georgian National TB Programme (NTP) using an anonymous 31-item questionnaire. RESULTS: Among 184 NTP physicians countrywide, 142 (77%) were contacted and 138 (75%) completed questionnaires. The median age was 56 years (inter-quartile range 50-64); most (81%) were female. The monthly salary from TB work was ≤USD205 for 50% of respondents. Nearly half (47%) received an additional salary from another source. Many physicians (65%) indicated that they were satisfied with their work, but over half (55%) were unsatisfied with reimbursement. While most physicians (78%) were concerned about the lack of interest in TB, only 36% would recommend a career in TB care. CONCLUSION: While the current TB workforce in Georgia finds their work fulfilling, an ageing workforce, low salaries and perceived lack of interest in the field are a matter of concern for future TB control.