The OrthoChina project

What is the work environment of orthopaedic surgeons in China?

BACKGROUND

Physicians in China face heavy demands from patients and the government for services but deal with the threat of unpredictable legal and physical conflicts with patients, some ending with the death of doctors. More than 40 doctors and nurses have been killed by patients since 2001.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

We sought to evaluate (1) the demographics of orthopaedic practice, (2) duty periods, (3) practice support, and (4) job satisfaction among orthopaedic surgeons in China.

METHODS

Questionnaires were posted online at www.OrthoChina.org for download by orthopaedic surgeons in 2006 to 2007, and sent to those attending meetings in 2013. In 2013, a total of 1350 surgeons were invited and 456 participated in the survey at meetings. In 2007, during the period of the survey, 9759 individuals were qualified orthopaedic surgeons, and 334 participated in the survey at www.OrthoChina.org .

RESULTS

Ninety-one percent of orthopaedic surgeons work in public and 9% in private hospitals. Ninety-four percent work more than 8 hours per day 6 to 7 days a week. Twenty-five percent work more than 12 hours per day 6 to 7 days a week without extra compensation. The majority of orthopaedic surgeons must work on national statutory holidays. Almost none received contractually mandated income for weekends and national holidays. Approximately 80% of participants reported an attack of some kind, including physical or psychologic harm. With respect to job satisfaction, 73% stated they would not choose to be a physician again and 86% reported that they do not want their children to become a physician.

CONCLUSIONS

China's rapid economic growth and resulting demands for modern health care have resulted in heavy pressure on orthopaedic surgeons, financially and personally. Chinese orthopaedic surgeons are overworked, suffer lack of respect, and face the possibility of serious personal harm. As a consequence, they are demoralized and unsatisfied. Significant reforms are needed.

Musculoskeletal training for orthopaedists and nonorthopaedists in China

No diploma for orthopaedic surgery is available in the current medical education and licensing system in China. The orthopaedist generally receives on-the-job training in a clinical practice after getting a license to practice surgery. There are multiple training pathways to and opportunities in orthopaedic surgery, and these vary from hospital to hospital and from region to region. These include on-the-job training, academic visits, rotation through different departments based on local medical needs, fellowship training in large general or teaching hospitals (locally, regionally, nationally, or internationally), English language training, postgraduate diploma training, and Internet CME. Due to the current training system, orthopaedic techniques and skill levels vary greatly from hospital to hospital.

Orthochina.org: case-based orthopaedic Wiki project in China

Traditional continuing medical education (CME) depended primarily on periodic courses and conferences. The cost-effectiveness of these courses has not been established, and often the content is not tailored to best meet the needs of the students. Internet training has the potential to accomplish these goals. Over the last 10 years, we have developed a Web site entitled "Orthochina.org," based upon the wiki concept, which uses an interactive, case-based format. We describe the development of online case discussions, and various technical and administrative requirements. As of December 31, 2007, there were 33,984 registered users, 9,759 of which passed the confirmation procedures. In 2007, an average of 211 registrants visited daily. The average number of first page clicks was 4,248 per day, and the average number of posts was 70 per day. All cases submitted for discussion include the patient's complaint, physical examination findings, and relevant images based on specific criteria for case discussion. The case discussions develop well professionally. No spam posting or unauthorized personal advertisement is permitted. In conclusion, online academic discussions proceed well when the orthopaedic surgeons who participate have established their identities.