2024 NZ private practice survey report

The Survey was distributed to Aotearoa New Zealand-based members via the August and October Tu Te Akaaka Roa Newsletter and the RANZCP Psyche news section. The Survey was divided into three sections:

Section 1: Demographics and general information
Section 2: Experiences in public mental health services
Section 3: Experiences in private practice

The full survey is provided in Appendix 1 in the PDF report. 34 members responded to the survey.

The result will inform ongoing workforce-related discussions with external agencies such as the Ministry of Health, and priority setting for Tu Te Akaaka Roa. The information is not intended for research or wider dissemination.

Key Points

• Respondents perceived value and support was higher in private practice.
• Opportunities to work as part of a multidisciplinary team and connection with colleagues were the main benefits of work in the public sector, while poor management and lack of resources were the main downsides.
• Burnout, demoralisation, and management drove respondents to leave the public service.
• The main benefits of working in private practice were flexibility and autonomy while the main challenges were a sense of isolation and lack of integration between public and private services.
• Most did not want to return to work in public.
• Potential motivators to return were a drastic change of the system, more flexibility, and better pay.