Subjektive Arbeitsbelastung, Arbeitszufriedenheit, Work-Life-Balance von Ärzten und Pflegekräften eines Kommunalklinikums im ländlichen Raum im Vergleich zu einem großstädtischen Universitätsklinikum

Abstract

Medical and nursing shortages in rural areas represent a current serious public health problem. The healthcare of the rural population is at risk. This study compares perceived workload, job satisfaction and work-life balance of physicians and nurses at a clinic in a rural area with two clinics of a University hospital. Physicians and nurses were interviewed anonymously with a standardized questionnaire (paper and pencil), including questions on job satisfaction, subjective workload and work-life balance. The response rate was almost 50% in the University hospital as well as in the municipal hospital. 32 physicians and 54 nurses from the University hospital and 18 physicians and 137 nurses from the municipal hospital participated in the survey. Nurses at the University hospital assessed the organization of the daily routine with 94.1% as better than those at the municipal hospital (82.4%, p=0.03). Physicians at the University hospital were able to better implement acquired knowledge at a University clinic with 87.5% than their counterparts at the municipal hospital (55.5%, p=0.02). In contrast to their colleagues at the municipal hospital, only 50% of the physicians at the University hospital subjectively considered their workload as just right (83.3% municipal, p=0.02). 96.9% of the physicians at the University hospital were "daily" or "several times a week" under time pressure (municipal 50%, p<0.01). Nurses of both hospitals had sufficient opportunity to reconcile work and family life (62.9% University hospital, 72.8% Municipal hospital). In contrast, only 20% of the physicians at the University Hospital but 42.9% of the physicians of the municipal hospital had sufficient opportunities to balance workload and family (p=0.13). The return rate of almost 50% can be described as good. Due to the small number of physicians, especially from the municipal hospital, it can be assumed that some interesting differences could not be detected. There were only slight differences between the nurses from the two hospitals. In contrast, subjective workload and stress factors reported by physicians at the University Hospital were significantly higher than those by doctors at the municipal hospital.

Stadt vs. Land: Eine Querschnittsstudie zu Arbeitszufriedenheit und –belastung von jungen Ärzten in Sachsen

“…Gerade unter der jüngeren Ärzteschaft scheint es Vorbehalte und Vorurteile zu geben, die gegen eine ärztliche Tätigkeit auf dem Land sprechen [11][12][13][14]. Eine Studie mit einer kleinen ärztlichen Stichprobe gibt Hinweise darauf, dass die subjektiv empfundene Arbeitsbelastung in ländlichen Regionen eher geringer ist [15]. Über die tatsächlichen Unterschiede in der Arbeitszufriedenheit und Arbeitsbelastung ist bisher jedoch wenig bekannt.…”

Nurses’ Workplace Perceptions in Southern Germany—Job Satisfaction and Self-Intended Retention towards Nursing

“…We perceive a lack of time for patient care, thereby highlighting a persistent systemic issue. The NEXT study [24] and other German studies [7,31,32,49] indicate that job satisfaction in nursing can be improved, primarily in time for patients, work-life balance, and workload. Our study also reflects a gratification crisis, which is evidenced by dissatisfaction with payment and appreciation [15,25].…”

“…Contradictory findings and confounders in existing studies are noted. The variation in healthcare and working cultures necessitates national studies, as there is limited transferability across different systems [25,31,32].…”

“…There is a lack of comprehensive national data regarding nurses' job satisfaction and self-reported retention [3,12]. Small sample sizes limit national studies such as the NEXT-Study or are outdated, thereby failing to reflect modern nursing practices [24,31,32].…”

“…It's still my dream job, and I can't imagine doing anything else" (Text 5c, para. [31][32][33]. Nurses expressed satisfaction with their passion as a reason to stay, thereby described nursing as "most meaningful and beautiful" (Text 5c, para.…”