Why residents quit: Prevalence of and reasons for attrition among anaesthesia residents in a single sponsoring institution

Abstract

Background: The SingHealth Anaesthesiology Residency Programme (SHARP) is a 5-year postgraduate training programme in Singapore. Since its inauguration in 2011, SHARP has taken in the largest number of anaesthesia residents in Singapore. However, we noticed significant attrition over the years. As attrition is a costly and disruptive affair, both to the individual and the programme, we seek to investigate the prevalence of and reasons for separation, in order to determine ways to minimize attrition. Methods: An online anonymous survey was conducted among all residents who have separated from SHARP. The questionnaire comprised questions regarding demographic data, reasons behind separation, obstacles faced during residency, and potential ways to reduce attrition. Results: From 2011 to 2018, 22 out of 127 residents have separated from the programme, giving an overall attrition prevalence of 17%. Nineteen (86%) of the separated residents responded to our questionnaire. The most common reason for separation was due to difficulties in juggling childcare and training commitments. Of the residents who have separated, more than half of them would consider rejoining the programme if a less than full time (LTFT) option was available. Conclusion: One out of every six residents in the SHARP quits residency training. The reasons behind separation are often varied due to each resident’s unique social circumstances. An individualized training programme with a LTFT option that allows for flexibility may boost retention in the programme.

General practitioners’ views on retaining Singapore’s primary care doctors: a cross-sectional survey and qualitative analysis

“…Overall, these numbers compare favorably to numbers reported the UK, where only 48.5% intended to work for at least 5 years [23]. These numbers are also slightly more optimistic than the 30% attrition intention among obstetrics and gynaecology residents [24] and the 17% actual attrition among anaesthesia residents [25], both reported in Singapore studies. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the GPs planning to increase their teaching, training, and research responsibilities was higher in the public sector than in the private sector, consistent with the fact that the former work setting offers more opportunities for a varied career portfolio.…”