Exploring financial difficulty and help-seeking behaviour among medics in the United Kingdom: a cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Background: While an intensifying workforce crisis and industrial action across the United Kingdom (UK) healthcare system has shed light on financial strains medics in the UK may face, there remains a lack of evidence on how various groups among an increasingly diversifying profession may be affected. This study explored experiences of financial difficulties and help-seeking behaviours across different demographic groups of medics. Methods: The demographic characteristics, financial worries and difficulties, and help-seeking behaviours of 442 medical students and doctors in the UK were surveyed. Inferential statistics and regression analyses were undertaken in SPSS. Qualitative responses regarding improving help-seeking underwent content analysis. Results: Over 80% of participants reported ever worrying about their finances. One-third had ever experienced financial difficulty. Of these, there were a higher percentage of medics with a disability (53.4%) than without a disability (30.4%); and with caring roles (47.2%) compared to those without (30.4%). LGBTQ + participants were 3.5 times more likely to have ever worried about their financial situation compared to those identifying as heterosexual. Those with a non-UK Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ) were twice as likely to experience financial difficulty compared to UK-PMQ respondents. Education and workplace sources of financial help were more likely to be sought by those without a disability, those with a UK-PMQ, participants in the ≤ 25 age bracket and students in comparison to doctors. Participants with a non-UK PMQ, participants aged 36–45 years, and doctors were more likely to seek external support. The most common responses to improving early help-seeking stemmed around improving understanding of the available support, and reducing stigma. Conclusions: Experiences of financial insecurity among medics are extremely common. Our study has highlighted that LGBTQ + medics and those with a non-UK PMQ may be particularly vulnerable to financial problems as well as those with a disability or caring role. Education and workplace mechanisms of financial support may be underutilised by medics with disabilities, those with a non-UK PMQ, and those in postgraduate settings more broadly. Institutions should seek to improve awareness and accessibility of financial support.