Abstract
The general practitioner (GP) crisis poses a set of challenges, threatening both GPs safety and patient safety for the last decade. The crisis consists of GP shortages resulting in too much workload and exhaustion among GPs, who are fleeing the profession. In order to handle the crisis, there is a need for action now.
The master´s thesis studies the impact that organizational culture, structure, and available resources have on handling the crisis, potentially strengthening organizational resilience among healthcare organizations.
Organizational resilience is defined by the capacity to cope with stressful conditions, preserve position and benefit from unfavourable conditions. Shaping organizational resilience can be done by several factors. A positive organizational culture fosters trust, openness and collaboration. Organizational structure promotes adaptability and effective communication, whereas organizational resources are crucial for navigating challenges effectively.
To achieve this, a qualitative case study was utilized, which included seven GPs and three municipality employees. The study was conducted through individual interviews, and the data was later transcribed and coded.
The findings highlights the critical role of organizational culture, structure and available resources in addressing the crisis. A culture marked by flexibility, collaboration and supportiveness within GP offices and municipalities enhances organizational resilience. However, challenges such as overwhelming workloads and difficulties in recruitment and retention among GPs persists. Organizational structure impacts their ability to respond to crises effectively, facilitating better coordination and cooperation among municipalities and GPs. Available resources are crucial for organizational resilience, as financial constraints and GP shortages directly impact their ability to recruit and retain GPs. The interplay between municipalities and GPs should strengthen, as it is vital for organizational resilience, leading to better outcomes for both parties.
