Internet Information on Residency Programs is Insufficient for the Assessment of Risk Factors that Influence Career Development - A Web-based Complete Survey of Employment Information Provided by Family Medicine Residency Programs in Japan / 日本プライマリ・ケア連合学会誌

ABSTRACT

<b>Introduction</b> Family medicine residency programs (PGs) have been increasing in Japan, but the Japan Primary Care Association (JPCA) does not publicly provide employment information. We conducted a complete survey on PGs, and elucidated the actual online provision of information required to assess risk factors influencing career development.<br><b>Methods</b> We conducted an online investigation in January 2013 of the JPCA-certified PGs updated as of December 18, 2012, regarding the main facility type, benefits, terms of employment, and the type of employment by the duration of the contract.<br><b>Results</b> There were 160 PGs in total. Those affiliated with universities were excluded and the remaining 129 PGs were analyzed. No salary/wage information was provided by 40 PGs (31.0%). Full-time employment was indicated by 64 PGs (49.6%), of which 6 had fixed-term employment. Only 11 PGs (8.5%) were confirmed to offer indefinite-term employment.<br><b>Conclusion</b> From the information provided online, it was difficult to identify the type of employment by the duration of the contract. Currently, JPCA does not impose regulations on the terms of employment to be posted. Therefore, it would be desirable for the JPCA to take the initiative in collecting and disclosing accurate and adequate information.