Does Working As A Locum Provide GPs With A Better Work-Life Balance And Therefore Improve Their Morale?

A recent survey by the British Medical Association shows that GPs are more likely than any other branch of medical practice to experience low morale. The results of the BMA poll show that almost three quarters (72.8%) of GPs currently feel that their workload is not only unmanageable, but also unsustainable.

This figure is almost double that of consultants, of whom only 40% felt that their current workload was unmanageable or unsustainable, considering they were the second most likely group of medical practitioners to feel this way. It is therefore not a surprise that GPs were also found to have the lowest morale of any group of doctors.

The results of the BMA poll found that roughly 40% of all doctors described themselves as experiencing low morale, however, GP morale was found to be lowest of all. On a scale of one being very low morale, to five being high morale, GPs scored an average of 2.38, suggesting that low morale within general practice is widespread.

Given that so many GPs feel that their workload is unmanageable and they are experiencing diminished morale, GPs have also been found to be the least satisfied group of doctors in terms of their work life balance. Around 55% of GPs admitted to always working beyond their normal expected hours of work over the past month; as with their overall morale, this is a much higher percentage than in any other branch of medical practice.

Given that so many GPs feel overworked and generally unhappy with their profession, it comes as no surprise that 44% have considered early retirement, or at least quitting general practice before they reach retirement age.

With GP morale at an all-time low, increasing numbers of GPs are deciding against full-time positions, and are instead deciding to work on a locum basis. Locum GPs generally have a much higher morale than full-time general practice doctors as they are able to manage their own work load so that it is sustainable for them.

Due to being able to pick and choose placements from locum agencies, Locums are able to benefit from considerable flexibility in their schedule, so if they choose, they can work consistently for a long period, before taking some time off to be able to properly unwind, or even working on a more sporadic basis. Working as a locum does not have anywhere near the same level of pressures of working as a full-time GP, allowing individuals to enjoy a much healthier work-life balance.

If you are a GP and feel that your current workload is unmanageable and are experiencing low morale, you can visit the Locum Select website to find out more about how being a locum GP could benefit you.