The hypothesis that the various factors involved in the multidimensional construct QOL receive different weightings was confirmed, making a simple summary score for the general QOL appear unjustifiable. In addition, all aspects that are commonly understood as parameters of QOL are influenced by external factors, such as coping behavior, based on individual personality characteristics.

This is the first real time analysis on how hospital gastroenterologists spend their working hours. Some of the problems with work routine reported by the doctors themselves were partly confirmed. With regard to the study results a rearrangement of job tasks coupled with technological solutions may prove helpful in reducing the burden on gastroenterologists and thereby improving the quality of medical care.

Our results corroborate the clinical significance of manual therapeutic findings as part of the diagnostic workup for tinnitus. They show that a uniform and standardized examination protocol is needed, and that appropriate physical therapeutic measures should be incorporated into the interdisciplinary therapeutic management of patients with tinnitus.