Dear participant,
Migration of healthcare professionals, and general practitioners (GPs) in particular, is a long-existing topic in global health ethics. The migration flow from developing countries to mostly Western countries is a well-known and well-documented topic in the world, known as the ‘Brain Drain’. This phenomenon has only become more apparent in the world, especially in Europe where borders are practically open for everyone. This is why we would like to study this phenomenon throughout Europe and because you are one of the many GPs that decided to migrate throughout Europe, it would be a great opportunity to involve you in this study.
With this letter and information, we would like to invite you to participate in this study.
1. The aim of the study is to describe motivating and demotivating factors influencing European GPs to migrate to a new country, to stay after migration in the new country, and/or to return to the country of origin.
2. To study this phenomenon a qualitative method is used. To collect data semi-structured web based individual interviews using Zoom will be held. Interviews will be conducted in English and last 30-45 minutes. The interviews will be audio recorded and transcribed.
3.The possible advantages and disadvantages of participating in this study
This study is an opportunity to focus on understanding the migration flow of GPs within Europe as a whole instead of per individualized country; understanding the push, pull and plant factors contributing to this phenomenon while engaging GPs from both receiving and sending countries in different European countries simultaneously as well as mapping the challenges GPs, sending and hosting countries encounter due to this migration flow. Insight in this phenomenon could enable the countries involved to change policies and to set up retention strategies (if needed) and create better solutions to the workforce crisis, as well as create a bigger picture for Europe. This is a general benefit for health care – and primary care in particular – in Europe. Disadvantage of participating in this research is the time investment it will cost you.
4. Participation in this study is voluntary. If you decide to participate, you can leave the study at any time.
5. What happens to your data?
Collected data will be stored in a database and can be accessed only by the investigators. Your data will be treated confidentially and in the event of any publications, the reported data will not be traceable to individuals. You always have the right to inspect and correct the data collected about you in the database. The retention period for scientific data is up to 20 years after completion of research.
6. There are no additional costs or fees associated with this study.
7. This research is approved by the Ethics Committee of both the University Hospital Antwerp (Belgium) and University of Tartu (Estonia).
8. If you have any further questions or would like more information, please contact us: thierry.vanderheyde@student.uantwerpen.be or marta.velgan@ut.ee.