Keywords: Family medicine, rural healthcare, physician shortage, municipal interventions, Latvia

Background:

The shortage of family physicians in rural areas of Latvia significantly affects access to primary healthcare services. In contrast, the capital, Riga, experience a surplus of family doctors. Rural municipalities face challenges in attracting and retaining medical professionals, especially in remote locations.

Aim of the study:

The purpose of this research is to examine municipal-level efforts and interventions to attract young family medicine residents and understand the challenges faced. The key research question is: What interventions, if any, are municipalities implementing to encourage young family medicine residents to work in their regions?

Methodology:

A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with five municipal delegates from Latvia’s largest municipalities in different regions, including region of Riga. Participants provided insights into existing interventions and perceived challenges.

Results:

A direct correlation exists between distance from Riga and worsening perceptions of family doctor shortages.
Riga has an excess number of doctors, while rural municipalities face challenges in filling positions even with various types of aid offered.
Main barriers to recruitment include financial uncertainty, social and professional isolation, and better opportunities in urban areas.
Common interventions include financial stipends with contractual obligations, housing assistance, and support for doctors' families. Some municipalities also offer financial aid for renovating practices.
Reasons for not implementing more interventions include financial constraints, lack of clear government directives, and differing interpretations of their role in ensuring primary care accessibility, which they are obligated to do.
No municipality systematically evaluates the effectiveness of these interventions or gathers official data on retention rates.

Conclusions:

While some municipalities attempt to attract family doctors through financial and logistical support, efforts are inconsistent and often hindered by financial and policy-related limitations. A more structured, evidence-based approach with clearer governmental guidance is needed to improve rural healthcare accessibility in Latvia.