Table 1 Mean score for the motivational factors of career specialty preferences according to seven constructs (based on subthemes) and 33 scale items
Construct and items | Item Mean Score (SD) | Construct Mean Score (SD) |
|---|---|---|
A. Work schedule (items 1–3) | 3.53 (0.865) | |
A1. No on calls or less hectic | 3.55 (1.122) | |
A2. Shift work | 3.26 (1.166) | |
A3. Fixed working hours | 3.78 (1.087) | |
B. Patient care characteristics (items 4–8) | 3.38 (0.698) | |
B4. Multidisciplinary or variety of illnesses/cases | 3.70 (1.091) | |
B5. Acute patient care | 3.41 (1.231) | |
B6. Minimal interactions with patient | 2.56 (1.136) | |
B7. Quick results/recovery after intervention or treatment | 3.63 (1.096) | |
B8. Continuous patient care | 3.58 (1.121) | |
C. Specialty characteristics (items 9–15) | 3.48 (0.652) | |
C9. Challenging nature of the field | 3.63 (1.008) | |
C10. Medical based | 3.49 (1.216) | |
C11. Surgical based | 2.88 (1.281) | |
C12. Specialty with less medicolegal issues | 3.62 (1.146) | |
C13. Involves more hands-on skills and procedures | 3.71 (1.188) | |
C14. Flexible working conditions | 3.98 (0.941) | |
C15. Prestige or reputation of the specialty | 3.07 (1.273) | |
D. Personal factors (items 16–21) | 3.57 (0.602) | |
D16. Family or relative influences/advice | 2.60 (1.344) | |
D17. Better work life balance | 4.06 (1.028) | |
D18. Personal interest in the specialty | 4.52 (0.692) | |
D19. Job satisfaction | 4.44 (0.750) | |
D20. Medical school experiences | 3.45 (1.113) | |
D21. Social media or public figure influence | 2.35 (1.194) | |
E. Past work experience (items 22–25) | 4.17 (0.707) | |
E22. Good teamwork in the department | 4.34 (0.786) | |
E23. Events or defining moments during housemanship | 3.84 (1.064) | |
E24. Guidance and teaching activities in the department | 4.20 (0.865) | |
E25. Specialist or senior colleague role model/influences | 4.31 (0.846) | |
F. Training factors (items 26–29) | 3.92 (0.758) | |
F26. Availability of parallel pathway | 4.03 (0.935) | |
F27. Availability of preparatory/training courses | 4.17 (0.775) | |
F28. Length of training (short) | 3.71 (1.037) | |
F29. Cost of training (less expensive) | 3.75 (0.996) | |
G. Career prospects (items 30–33) | 3.79 (0.771) | |
G30. Future opportunities in private sector or private practice | 4.01 (0.986) | |
G31. Financially rewarding | 3.73 (1.012) | |
G32. Various subspecialties in the field to venture in future. | 3.73 (1.075) | |
G33. Future teaching opportunities | 3.69 (1.037) | |