Global job satisfaction and fluctuation among community general practitioners: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction Community General Practitioners (CGPs) are crucial to primary healthcare worldwide. Their job satisfaction significantly impacts the quality and accessibility of healthcare. However, a comprehensive global perspective on this issue remains absent, necessitating this systematic review and meta-analysis.Methods This systematic review and meta-analysis sourced literature from PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, and Wanfang, up to June 14, 2023. Of the 2,742 identified studies, 100 articles were selected for meta-analysis to assess satisfaction levels, and 97 studies were chosen for comparative analysis of influential factors. We employed both meta-analytic and comparative analytic methodologies, focusing on varying geographical, economic, and temporal contexts.Results The pooled rate and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) for job satisfaction among CGPs was 70.82% (95%CI: 66.62-75.02%) globally. Studies utilizing 5-point score scale obtained a random effect size of 3.52 (95%CI: 3.43-3.61). Diverse factors influenced satisfaction, with remuneration and working conditions being predominant. A noticeable decline in job satisfaction has been observed since the coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak, with satisfaction rates dropping from an average of 72.39% before 2009 to 63.09% in those published after 2020.Conclusions The downward trend in CGPs' job satisfaction is concerning and warrants urgent attention from policymakers, especially in regions with an acute shortage of CGPs. The findings from this comprehensive review and meta-analysis provide essential insights for informed healthcare policy-making. It highlights the urgency of implementing strategies to enhance CGP satisfaction, thereby improving the effectiveness of primary healthcare systems globally. What is already known?Community general practitioners (CGPs) are integral to primary healthcare across the world. Existing studies on CGPs' job satisfaction are region-specific, leaving a gap in a consolidated global perspective.What are the new findings?center dot This study presents the first meta-analysis on global CGPs' job satisfaction, indicating a moderate general satisfaction level.center dot Notable differences in satisfaction levels are observed across countries based on their economic conditions.center dot There is a downward trend in global CGPs' job satisfaction, indicating potential ongoing and systemic challenges.What do the new findings imply?The insights from this study provide a foundation for healthcare policymakers and community healthcare managers for informed strategic planning. The observed trends accentuate the necessity for targeted interventions and policy changes. Given the evidence, areas facing significant shortages in CGPs, like China, need to prioritize and recalibrate their strategies focused on CGP recruitment, retention, and well-being.