Work motivation among healthcare professionals

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore work motivation among professionals at well-functioning primary healthcare centers subject to a national healthcare reform which include financial incentives. Design/methodology/approach Five primary healthcare centers in Sweden were purposively selected for being well-operated and representing public/private and small/large units. In total, 43 interviews were completed with different medical professions and qualitative deductive content analysis was conducted. Findings Work motivation exists for professionals when their individual goals are aligned with the organizational goals and the design of the reform. The centers' positive management was due to a unique combination of factors, such as clear direction of goals, a culture of non-hierarchical collaboration, and systematic quality improvement work. The financial incentives need to be translated in terms of quality patient care to provide clear direction for the professionals. Social processes where professionals work together as cohesive groups, and provided space for quality improvement work is pivotal in addressing how alignment is created. Practical implications Leaders need to consistently translate and integrate reforms with the professionals' drives and values. This is done by encouraging participation through teamwork, time for structured reflection, and quality improvement work. Social implications The design of the reforms and leadership are essential preconditions for work motivation. Originality/value The study offers a more complete picture of how reforms are managed at primary healthcare centers, as different medical professionals are included. The value also consists of showing how a range of aspects combine for primary healthcare professionals to successfully manage external reforms.

Determinants of Motivation among Healthcare Workers in the East African Community between 2009–2019: A Systematic Review

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“…In 2015, a study in Iran reported good and support manager and supervisors and having good working relations with co-workers being motivators of healthcare workers [ 57 ]. This emphasises the importance of having a healthy organizational social environment to motivate healthcare workers, which can enhance by strengthening management capacities and cohesive organizational culture [ 55 , 57 ]. These strategies could potentially result in a more supportive organization environment and curb the organizational-related barriers to healthcare workers’ motivation reported in various studies.…”

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“…Change in practice is influenced in many more ways than politics. First, we suggest that the long tradition, support and familiarity of improvement work in Jönköping County Council provided fertile ground for innovation [27, 38]. Second, we believe that the mix of professionals in Swedish primary health care has great potential for the emergence of new practices.…”

Workers’ experiences of healthy work environment indicators at well-functioning primary care units in Sweden: a qualitative study

“…The professional role of managers at PCUs varies. Six well-functioning PCUs from one county in Sweden were carefully chosen to be included in this study [18]. The purposive sampling focused on well-functioning PCUs, defined as PCUs providing high-quality care according to national and regional comparisons (e.g.…”