A study by the Platform of Young Health Professionals to assess the well-being of young doctors, pharmacists, and nurses up to the age of 35 depicts a “chronic and concerning scenario of dissatisfaction and an increasing intention to emigrate.”
“Despite their unquestionable dedication to the profession, young health professionals in Portugal face challenging working conditions, characterized by low salaries, lack of career progression, and high stress levels — factors leading them to seriously consider emigration,” explained Xavier Canavilhas, a representative of the Platform, in a statement.
The Platform of Young Health Professionals, encompassing seven associations in the field, concluded that “65% of young professionals have considered or are considering emigration, primarily due to better wage conditions, improved quality of life, and development opportunities.” However, it was noted that “the vast majority express a desire to remain in the country but feel demotivated.”
Xavier Canavilhas stated the barometer revealed “a concerning panorama,” yet it also provides tools to collaborate with the Government in seeking concrete measures for valuing health professionals.
According to the platform representative, “there was an open channel of proximity with the current Government to work with the Platform of Young Health Professionals on concrete proposals for the country,” hoping that “the interruption of this legislative cycle does not jeopardize the urgent changes needed in the health sector.”
The study further highlighted that 45% of professionals reported dissatisfaction with work conditions, with only “about 10% stating they are satisfied.”
Additionally, it was found that 70% of professionals frequently feel “under pressure” and more than 60% “feel their work schedules do not allow for balancing personal, professional, and family life, while only about 18% express a healthy balance.”
Regarding the impact on care quality, 54% of respondents believe inadequate working conditions compromise the quality of care provided to patients, while 60% said they would not choose the same profession if they could start over due to a lack of “progression opportunities.”
In contrast, among those who believe their profession offers good progression opportunities, 73% would choose the same profession again.
It was also concluded that 95% of health professionals “believe that collaboration improves the quality of care, although only half feel adequately prepared for this reality during their training.”
“The disclosed data shows that many professionals wish to remain in the country but feel compelled to seek other opportunities,” he maintained.
The study also noted that, for about 32% of those surveyed, the main factor influencing the retention of professionals in the country’s interior is competitive remuneration, with 48% considering it “not at all or only slightly” attractive to work in these regions.
The analysis, derived from an online questionnaire, will be presented today at the Champalimaud Foundation in Lisbon, after being accessible to all young health professionals up to 35 years old, inclusive.
