The aims of this study were to investigate the factors affecting career satisfaction within the Pakistani dental community and to assess demographic characteristics as significant predictors of professional satisfaction.

Cross-sectional survey.

Data were collected from registered dentists across urban and rural areas of Pakistan via an electronic survey distributed through professional forums, social media groups and email lists to ensure nationwide representation.

A total of 600 registered dental surgeons were selected across Pakistan using single-stage cluster sampling, with inclusion based on a permanent Pakistan Medical and Dental Council licence, excluding temporary licence holders, non-consenting individuals and those practising abroad.

Career satisfaction was measured using the validated Dentist Satisfaction Survey, which assessed various factors affecting professional fulfilment.

Of 600 participants, 566 valid responses were received, with n=134 (23.67%) men and n=432 (76.33%) women, and a mean age of 33.7±7.4 years. Most were early-career (68.9%), with a mean professional satisfaction score of 3.13±1.35. Gender, provincial background and work experience significantly influenced satisfaction, while current working status did not. Participants were neutral on career domains, such as auxiliary staff quality, professional relations, professional time, management and work-life balance, but had positive views on doctor-patient relationships. Many expressed dissatisfaction with their income, and 35.69% found dentistry stressful. While 26.15% would not recommend dentistry, 30.04% would support their child’s choice to pursue it. Despite uncertainty about career fulfilment, most dentists remained strongly committed to their profession and did not plan to change careers in the near future.

This study highlights factors influencing career satisfaction among Pakistani dentists, offering insights to improve well-being and career fulfilment and inform policy reforms aimed at enhancing professional retention and mental well-being.

The number of people living with multiple long-term conditions (MLTCs or ‘multimorbidity’) is growing. Evidence indicates that exercise-based rehabilitation can improve health-related quality of life and reduce hospital admissions for a number of single long-term conditions. However, it is increasingly recognised that such condition-focused rehabilitation programmes do not meet the needs of people living with MLTCs. The aims for this study were to (1) evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of the newly developed Personalised Exercise Rehabilitation FOR people with Multiple long-term conditions (PERFORM) intervention; (2) assess the feasibility of study methods to inform progression to a definitive randomised controlled trial (RCT) and (3) refine our intervention programme theory.

Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with patients receiving and healthcare practitioners delivering the PERFORM intervention, to seek their experiences of the intervention and taking part in the study. Interviews were analysed thematically, informed by Normalisation Process Theory and the programme theory.

Three UK sites (two acute hospital settings, one community-based healthcare setting).

18 of the 60 PERFORM participants and 6 healthcare professionals were interviewed.

The intervention consisted of 8 weeks of supervised group-based exercise rehabilitation and structured self-care symptom-based support.

All participants and staff interviewed found PERFORM useful for physical and mental well-being and noted positive impacts of participation, although some specific modifications to the intervention delivery and training and study methods were identified. Scheduling, staffing and space limitations were barriers that must be considered for future evaluation and implementation. Key intervention mechanisms identified were social support, patient education, building routines and habits, as well as support from healthcare professionals.

We found the PERFORM intervention to be acceptable and feasible, with the potential to improve the health and well-being of people with MLTCs. The findings of the process evaluation inform the future delivery of the PERFORM intervention and the design of our planned full RCT. A definitive trial is needed to assess the clinical and cost-effectiveness.

ISRCTN68786622.