Preventative self-regulatory primary care leadership in urban China: impact on physician well-being and medical service quality

Purpose The study aims to address the gap between leaders’ preventative self-regulatory focus and its impact on Chinese primary care physicians (PCPs) well-being, measured by work–family spillover stress and work exhaustion and on healthcare quality, measured by preventive service delivery and clinical guideline adherence. Design/methodology/approach This paper conducted a cross-sectional in-person survey with 38 leaders and 224 PCPs in 38 primary health centers (PHCs) in Jinan, Tianjin, Shenzhen and Shanghai. Guided by the regulatory focus theory, this paper built hierarchical linear regression models to examine the association between the leadership’s regulatory focus and physician burnout, work–family conflict, clinic guideline adherence and preventive service delivery. Findings This paper added the knowledge of leadership’s regulatory focus impact on the well-being and medical service quality of PCPs. Prevention regulatory focus of leaders was significantly associated with work exhaustion and physicians’ reported work–family conflict. There is no significant association between leadership’s prevention regulatory focus and PCPs’ preventive service delivery or clinical guideline adherence. Research limitations/implications Data on the regulatory focus of PCPs were not collected. Future studies should collect longitudinal data, allowing for exploration of the mechanism. Practical implications This paper revealed that PHC leaders should restructure their leadership focus away from preventive regulatory behavior, promoting a team atmosphere and enhancing PCP attitudes, behaviors and well-being. Social implications To improve the well-being of PCPs and the quality of medical services, our results recommend a focus on establishing a positive organizational culture and addressing the emotional and professional needs of PCPs. To achieve these aims, policymakers should implement measures that promote a more comprehensive and balanced regulatory focus within PHC institutions. These measures should aim to create an environment that supports physician well-being and enhances the quality of healthcare services. Providing ample resources and support, promoting a collaborative team atmosphere and encouraging open communication are vital to empowering PCPs. Originality/value This study examined the preventive regulatory focus of PHC leaders on the well-being and medical service quality of PCPs in China.