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Meister T, Foessleitner P, Breuer G, Winder FM, Favero M, Friemann M, Krischer B, Weiss M, Windsperger K. The impact of gender on the self-confidence of practical and surgical skills among OBGYN residents: a trinational survey. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2024; 309:2669-2679. [PMID: 37695372 PMCID: PMC11147860 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-023-07202-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Gender disparities exist in the OBGYN discipline. This study investigates, for the first time, whether gender impacts on the confidence of practical and surgical skills among OBGYN residents, and of being prepared to work as a specialist. METHODS The gynecological societies of Austria, Germany, and Switzerland established a web-based survey of 30 questions that was sent to all registered OBGYN members-in-training from August to September 2020. Data collection, controlling and analysis were performed by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH). RESULTS A total of 422 participants took part in the survey, of which 375 (88.9%) were female, 46 (10.9%) were male, and one (0.2%) was divers. The diverse participant was excluded from further analyses. The gender distribution was comparable in all three countries. Multiple regression analyses showed that gender is an independent variable significantly impacting on the confidence levels in performing standard gynaecological (p = 0.03) and obstetric (p < 0.001) procedures. Similarly, the feeling of confidence in being prepared for working as a specialist in a clinic showed to be gender-dependent (p < 0.001), however, not the feeling of being prepared for working as specialist in an outpatient setting (p = 0.37). The "female factor" significantly decreases the confidence rating for surgical and practical skills and for working in a hospital. Covariates including year of training, country, workload, receiving regular feedback, and implemented simulation training were included in all analyses. DISCUSSION Improvements of residency programs to promote female doctors to overcome factors reducing their confidence in their own OBGYN skills are highly warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Meister
- Division of Obstetrics and Feto-Maternal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Philipp Foessleitner
- Division of Obstetrics and Feto-Maternal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Georg Breuer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Tulln, Tulln, Austria
| | | | | | - Margareta Friemann
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Municipal Clinical Center Lüneburg, Lüneburg, Germany
| | | | - Martin Weiss
- Department of Women's Health, Eberhard Karls University, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Karin Windsperger
- Division of Obstetrics and Feto-Maternal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
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Bretagne L, Mosimann S, Roten C, Perrig M, Genné D, Essig M, Mancinetti M, Méan M, Darbellay Farhoumand P, Huber LC, Weber E, Knoblauch C, Schoenenberger AW, Frick S, Wenemoser E, Ernst D, Bodmer M, Aujesky D, Baumgartner C. Association of part-time clinical work with well-being and mental health in General Internal Medicine: A survey among Swiss hospitalists. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0290407. [PMID: 37768911 PMCID: PMC10538797 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Burnout and low job satisfaction are increasing among the General Internal Medicine (GIM) workforce. Whether part-time compared to full-time clinical employment is associated with better wellbeing, job satisfaction and health among hospitalists remains unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted an anonymized cross-sectional survey among board-certified general internists (i.e. hospitalists) from GIM departments in 14 Swiss hospitals. Part-time clinical work was defined as employment of <100% as a clinician. The primary outcome was well-being, as measured by the extended Physician Well-Being Index (ePWBI), an ePWBI ≥3 indicating poor wellbeing. Secondary outcomes included depressive symptoms, mental and physical health, and job satisfaction. We compared outcomes in part-time and full time workers using propensity score-adjusted multivariate regression models. RESULTS Of 199 hospitalists invited, 137 (69%) responded to the survey, and 124 were eligible for analysis (57 full-time and 67 part-time clinicians). Full-time clinicians were more likely to have poor wellbeing compared to part-time clinicians (ePWBI ≥3 54% vs. 31%, p = 0.012). Part-time compared to full-time clinical work was associated with a lower risk of poor well-being in adjusted analyses (odds ratio 0.20, 95% confidence interval 0.07-0.59, p = 0.004). Compared to full-time clinicians, there were fewer depressive symptoms (3% vs. 18%, p = 0.006), and mental health was better (mean SF-8 Mental Component Summary score 47.2 vs. 43.2, p = 0.028) in part-time clinicians, without significant differences in physical health and job satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS Full-time clinical hospitalists in GIM have a high risk of poor well-being. Part-time compared to full-time clinical work is associated with better well-being and mental health, and fewer depressive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Bretagne
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Stefanie Mosimann
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- School of Health Professions Education, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Christine Roten
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Martin Perrig
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Genné
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital of Biel-Bienne, Bienne, Switzerland
| | - Manfred Essig
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Tiefenau Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Marco Mancinetti
- Department of Medicine, University and Hospital of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Marie Méan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Lars C Huber
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Stadtspital Zürich Triemli, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Elisabeth Weber
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Stadtspital Zürich Waid, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Knoblauch
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Hospital of Nidwalden, Stans, Switzerland
| | - Andreas W Schoenenberger
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Cantonal Hospital of Münsterlingen, Münsterlingen, Switzerland
| | - Sonia Frick
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Hospital of Limmattal, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Eliane Wenemoser
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Hospital Region of Oberaargau, Langenthal, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Ernst
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Hospital of Thun, Thun, Switzerland
| | - Michael Bodmer
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Cantonal Hospital of Zug, Baar, Switzerland
| | - Drahomir Aujesky
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Christine Baumgartner
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Dresbach T, Müller A, Trepels-Kottek S, Soff J, Hoffmann J, Scholten N. Die Neonatologie/Pädiatrische Intensivmedizin – ein attraktiver Arbeitsplatz? Monatsschr Kinderheilkd 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s00112-023-01717-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund
Die Arbeitszufriedenheit wie auch das Wohlbefinden der ärztlichen und pflegerischen Mitarbeiter*innen sind zum einen relevant zur Mitarbeiter*innenbindung, aber auch zur Aufrechterhaltung einer qualitativ hochwertigen Patient*innenversorgung. Aufgrund des Personalmangels in der Neonatologie ist es wichtig, mehr über den aktuellen Stand der Arbeitsplatzzufriedenheit, der Work-Life Balance wie auch der Wechselabsichten zu erfahren.
Methode
Hierzu sind insgesamt 389 Ärzt*innen und Pflegekräfte befragt worden.
Ergebnisse
Insgesamt arbeiten 74 % der Ärzt*innen in Vollzeit (≥ 38 h/Woche) (Ärzte: 80 %, Ärztinnen: 69 %), wobei dies jedoch nur von 49 % der befragten Ärzt*innen (Ärzte: 57 %, Ärztinnen: 41 %) gewünscht ist. Mit 56 % an Ärzt*innen mit einem klinisch auffälligen WHO-5-Wohlbefindens Index zeigt sich auch hier Handlungsbedarf. Circa 44 % der befragten Ärzt*innen unter 60 Jahren planen, in den nächsten 5 Jahren ihren Arbeitgeber zu wechseln. Dies steht im signifikanten Zusammenhang zu Burn-out und Work-Life-Balance-Konflikten.
Diskussion
Insgesamt zeigen sich große Herausforderungen in der Vereinbarkeit von Arbeit und Familie und hierdurch der vermehrte Wunsch nach Teilzeit.
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Schnack H, Uthoff SAK, Ansmann L. The perceived impact of physician shortages on human resource strategies in German hospitals - a resource dependency perspective. J Health Organ Manag 2022; 36:196-211. [PMID: 36098505 DOI: 10.1108/jhom-05-2021-0203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Like other European countries, Germany is facing regional physician shortages, which have several consequences on patient care. This study analyzes how hospitals perceive physician shortages and which strategies they adopt to address them. As a theoretical framework, the resource dependency theory is chosen. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH The authors conducted 20 semi-structured expert interviews with human resource officers, human resource directors, and executive directors from hospitals in the northwest of Germany. Hospitals of different ownership types, of varying sizes and from rural and urban locations were included in the sample. The interviews were analyzed by using qualitative content analysis. FINDINGS The interviewees reported that human resource departments in hospitals expand their recruiting activities and no longer rely on one single recruiting instrument. In addition, they try to adapt their retaining measures to physicians' needs and offer a broad range of employment benefits (e.g. childcare) to increase attractiveness. The study also reveals that interviewees from small and rural hospitals report more difficulties with attracting new staff and therefore focus on recruiting physicians from abroad. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS Since the staffing situation in German hospitals will not change in the short term, the study provides suggestions for hospital managers and health policy decision-makers in dealing with physician shortages. ORIGINALITY/VALUE This study uses the resource dependency theory to explain hospitals' strategies for dealing with healthcare staff shortages for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helge Schnack
- Division for Organizational Health Services Research, Department of Health Services Research, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Sarah Anna Katharina Uthoff
- Division for Organizational Health Services Research, Department of Health Services Research, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Lena Ansmann
- Division for Organizational Health Services Research, Department of Health Services Research, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
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Bodendieck E, Jung FU, Luppa M, Riedel-Heller SG. Burnout and work-privacy conflict - are there differences between full-time and part-time physicians? BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:1082. [PMID: 36002851 PMCID: PMC9404597 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08471-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Changes in everyday work with regard to working time models have reached the medical profession. The number of physicians working part-time is steadily increasing. At the same time, however, the population's need for care is also rising. This can reinforce the impending shortage of doctors in the future. The aim was to investigate differences in work-privacy conflict and burnout among physicians working full-time or part-time. Method The present study includes data from a baseline survey of the long-term study of physicians with different medical backgrounds. The analysis focused on a sub-sample of 598 physicians (not self-employed). The two main outcomes under investigation—burnout and work-privacy conflict—were measured using the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory adapted for health care professionals, as well as the associated subscale of the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ). Data analyses included descriptive statistics followed by regression models. Results Descriptive analyses show, that 31.8% of physicians are working part-time, whereas 68.2% are working full-time. The part-time subsample is significantly older, and female physicians are more likely to work part-time. With regard to workload and work-privacy conflict, significant differences between part-time and full-time physicians were only observed in terms of work-privacy-conflict. However, regression analysis underline the importance of possible confounding variables (such as medical setting) within the relationship between job size and job-related well-being. Discussion Differences in working hour arrangements (full-time or part-time work) are only accompanied by less work-privacy conflict. No differences with regard to burnout (patient-related, work-related or personal) could be obtained. Rather, the data suggests that other job-related variables may play a role and should be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Bodendieck
- General Practice, Dresdner Straße 34a, 04808, Wurzen, Germany
| | - F U Jung
- Institute of Social Medicine, Occupational Health and Public Health, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Ph.-Rosenthal-Str. 55, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - M Luppa
- Institute of Social Medicine, Occupational Health and Public Health, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Ph.-Rosenthal-Str. 55, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - S G Riedel-Heller
- Institute of Social Medicine, Occupational Health and Public Health, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Ph.-Rosenthal-Str. 55, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
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Riedel M, Hennigs A, Dobberkau AM, Riedel C, Bugaj TJ, Nikendei C, Amann N, Karge A, Eisenkolb G, Tensil M, Recker F, Riedel F. The role of gender-specific factors in the choice of specialty training in obstetrics and gynecology: results from a survey among medical students in Germany. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2022; 305:129-137. [PMID: 34550446 PMCID: PMC8782790 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-021-06232-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The field of obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) is facing growing competition for young professionals in Germany, with high interest rates among female graduates and a declining proportion of male students who choose residency training in the field. The aim of this study is to analyze general and gender-dependent factors that influence the decision for or against specialty training in OB/GYN among medical students in Germany. METHODS Between February and November 2019, n = 346 medical students in their 5th and 6th year of undergraduate training at Heidelberg University received a questionnaire with 44 items. RESULTS n = 286 students (61.3 female; 38.7% male) participated in the study. 28% of the female students and 9% of the male students had considered OB/GYN for their specialty training. The students reported different general and gender-specific influencing factors in their choice of a specialty. Both genders desired a good work-life-balance, however, in comparison with their female colleagues, male students had heavily weighted factors related to their later careers and professional success, including competition among colleagues. Male students had gained little practical experience during compulsory internships (26.9% for females vs. 8.8% for males) or had chosen their final-year elective in OB/GYN (15.9% for females vs. 5.5% for males). Female students had worried about the negative effects of their sex on their career (35.4% for females vs. 5.9% for males). CONCLUSION OB/GYN must become more appealing and attractive to young female and male professionals alike. A better compatibility of career and family should go hand in hand with the implementation of differentiated, (extra) curricular teaching approaches that take the different preferences of female and male students into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Riedel
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - André Hennigs
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anna Maria Dobberkau
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Caroline Riedel
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Till Johannes Bugaj
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christoph Nikendei
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Niklas Amann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ludwig Maximilians University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Anne Karge
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Gabriel Eisenkolb
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Maria Tensil
- Kirinus Clinic for Psychotherapy, Munich, Germany
| | - Florian Recker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bonn University Hospital, Bonn, Germany
| | - Fabian Riedel
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.
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Riedel F, Riedel M, Freis A, Heil J, Golatta M, Schuetz F, Sohn C, Hennigs A. Exam preparatory course for the 2nd part of the German medical examination in obstetrics and gynecology - a potential tool for the recruitment of new residents during the occupational decision process before the practical year? BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2019; 19:24. [PMID: 30654790 PMCID: PMC6335710 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-019-1457-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The "Second Stage of the Physician Exam" at the end of the 5th year of medical school in Germany is the final step before the "Practical Year." An exam preparatory class can cover the complete content of Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) in two days. We raise the question of whether such training might promote students' interest in the given specialty during occupational decision making and whether it could even be used by hospitals as a recruitment tool. This investigation is even more important in the context of fierce competition among young professionals at clinics and in different specialties. METHODS We conducted a multimodal course evaluation for four exam preparatory courses (each of which lasted two days and involved 8.5 h of teaching), including pre- and post-course tests with 20 multiple-choice questions to quantify the level of skill gain. Additionally, a standardized evaluation of course satisfaction was performed, followed by a post-exam questionnaire that dealt with studying activities and individual professional objectives. RESULTS Overall, n = 197 students took part in four identical courses. Among them, n = 121 completed the pre-/post-course tests, n = 170 completed the evaluation, and n = 110 completed the post-exam questionnaire. An average improvement from 13.9 to 17.2 correct answers was observed (max. 20; pre-/post-difference 95%-CI: [2.77; 3.86], t-test: p < 0.0001). By trend, the students noted that course participation positively influenced their later choice of specialty training (m = 3.63; scale 1 = "strongly disagree," 5 = "strongly agree"). CONCLUSIONS In addition to self-studying, condensed classroom training is effective and reasonable and might also increase the attractivity of OB/GYN among students and have a positive effect on recruitment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Riedel
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Maximilian Riedel
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Alexander Freis
- Department of Gynecologic Endocrinology and Fertility Disorders, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Joerg Heil
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Golatta
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Florian Schuetz
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christof Sohn
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - André Hennigs
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
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Grassl N, Nees J, Schramm K, Spratte J, Sohn C, Schott TC, Schott S. A Web-Based Survey Assessing the Attitudes of Health Care Professionals in Germany Toward the Use of Telemedicine in Pregnancy Monitoring: Cross-Sectional Study. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2018; 6:e10063. [PMID: 30089606 PMCID: PMC6105866 DOI: 10.2196/10063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2018] [Revised: 05/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The demand for fetal monitoring and constant reassurance is high in pregnant women. Consequently, pregnant women use various health apps and are more likely to visit emergency departments due to subjective but nonurgent complaints. However, electronic health (eHealth) and mobile health (mHealth) solutions are rarely used to prevent nonurgent emergency consultations. To implement modern care solutions, a better understanding of the attitudes, fears, and hopes of health care professionals toward eHealth and mHealth is needed. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the attitudes of health care professionals in obstetrics toward telemedicine. Methods A quantitative Web-based survey on health care professionals in obstetrics in Germany was conducted. The participants included nurses, midwives, and physicians of all age groups and job positions working in hospitals that provide various levels of health care. The questionnaire comprised 24 questions about the characteristics of the study population, views about emergency consultations in obstetrics, attitude toward telemedicine, job satisfaction, and sleeping behavior. Results In total, 244 health care professionals participated in the Web-based survey. In general, health care professionals were skeptical (170/233, 72.9%) about the use of telemedicine in obstetrics; however, 55.8% (130/233) recognized its potential. Moreover, 72% (62/86) of physicians were optimistic in using apps for pregnancy monitoring, whereas 36.1% (47/130) of nonphysicians (P<.001) were not. Significantly, more nonphysicians rejected such developments (75/130, 57.7% rejected) compared with physicians (24/86, 28%; P<.001). We also found that obstetricians with more than 10 years of work-experience are more skeptical; however, approximately 49% (18/37) of them believed that telemedicine could reduce nonurgent emergency consultations, whereas 73.2% (106/145) of obstetricians with less than 5 years of experience (P=.01) thought otherwise. Our survey revealed a high job satisfaction and a prevalence of regular sleeping problems of 45.9% (91/198) among health care professionals in obstetrics. Surprisingly, both job satisfaction and sleeping problems were independent from the number of night shifts per month (P=.77 and P=.99, respectively). Yet, 56.6% (112/198) of the survey participants thought they would be happier with their job if they had to work fewer night shifts per month. Conclusions Our study reveals an ambivalent attitude toward the use of telemedicine among health care professionals in obstetrics in Germany at the moment. Efforts to promote the use of telemedicine should focus on nurses and midwives because these groups are the most skeptical. By contrast, particularly young physicians recognize the potential of apps in patient care and would like to use such technology in pregnancy monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niklas Grassl
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Women's Clinic Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Juliane Nees
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Women's Clinic Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Katharina Schramm
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Women's Clinic Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Julia Spratte
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Women's Clinic Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christof Sohn
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Women's Clinic Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Timm C Schott
- Centre of Dentistry, Department of Orthodontics and Orofacial Orthopedics, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Sarah Schott
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Women's Clinic Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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Neimann J, Knabl J, Puppe J, Bayer CM, Gass P, Gabriel L, Seelbach-Goebel B, Lermann J, Schott S. Duty Rosters and Workloads of Obstetricians in Germany: Results of a Germany-wide Survey. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 2017; 77:894-903. [PMID: 28845054 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-110863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Revised: 05/05/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Compiling a daily hospital roster which complies with existing laws and tariff regulations and meets the requirements for ongoing professional training while also taking the legal regulations on the health of employees into account makes planning the duty roster a challenge. The aim of this study was to obtain a realistic picture of existing duty roster systems and of the current workloads of obstetricians in Germany. METHOD This online survey was sent to 2770 physicians training to become obstetricians or specializing in specific areas of obstetric care. The survey consisted of an anonymized 95-item questionnaire which collected data on different types of duty roster systems and the workload of obstetricians in Germany for the period from 17.02.2015 to 16.05.2015. RESULTS Out of a total of 2770 physicians who were contacted, 437 (16%) completed the questionnaire. Across all forms of care, the care provided outside normal working hours usually (75%) consisted of a combination of regular working times and on-call duty or even consisted entirely of standby duty. Level I perinatal centers were most likely 20% (n = 88) to have a shift system in place. Working a shift system was significantly more common in care facilities which had previously carried out a job analysis. The number of physicians in hospitals who are present during the night shift was higher in facilities with higher numbers of births and in facilities which offered higher levels of care. In addition to regularly working overtime and the fact that often not all the hours worked were recorded, it was notable that the systems used to compile duty rosters often did not comply with legal regulations or with collectively agreed working hours nor were they compatible with the staff planning requirements. OUTLOOK The results of this study show that the conditions of work, the working times, and the organization of working times in obstetric departments are in need of improvement. Recording the actual times worked together with an analysis of the activities performed during working times and while on standby would increase the level of transparency for employers and employees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Neimann
- Frauenklinik mit Brustzentrum, KRH Klinikum Siloah, Hannover, Germany
| | - Julia Knabl
- Klinikum der Universität München Klinik und Poliklinik für Frauenheilkunde und Geburtshilfe Campus Innenstadt, München, Germany.,Department of Obstetrics, Klinik Hallerwiese, Nürnberg, Germany
| | - Julian Puppe
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Frauenheilkunde und Geburtshilfe, Uniklinik Köln, Köln, Germany
| | | | - Paul Gass
- Frauenklinik, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Lena Gabriel
- Klinik für Frauenheilkunde, Geburtshilfe und Reproduktionsmedizin, Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Birgit Seelbach-Goebel
- Krankenhaus der Barmherzigen Brüder - Klinik St. Hedwig, Lehrstuhl für Frauenheilkunde und Geburtshilfe der Universität Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | | | - Sarah Schott
- Universitätsfrauenklinik, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany.,Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, Heidelberg, Germany
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