The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners
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The past seven years have seen rapid changes in general practice in the United Kingdom (UK), commencing with the 1990 contract. During the same period, concern about the health and morale of general practitioners (GPs) has increased and a recruitment crisis has developed. ⋯ Fifty-two per cent of GPs in Leeds who responded showed high levels of psychological symptoms. Job satisfaction was lower than in a national survey conducted in 1987, and GPs expressed the least satisfaction with their hours, recognition for their work, and rates of pay. Nearly 60% felt that their physical health had been affected by their work. These results point to a need to improve working conditions in primary care and for further research to determine the effect of any such changes.