Arbeitszufriedenheit unter österreichischen Pädiaterinnen und Pädiatern

The aim of this study was to evaluate different factors that may contribute to work load and job satisfaction among Austrian pediatricians.

We conducted an online survey with 16 questions and performed statistical analyses.

Of 375 participating pediatricians, 61% were female, 39% male, 61% clinicians, 21% panel physicians and 12% private physicians. Panel physicians treated significantly more patients on average than private physicians (> 51 vs. < 30, p < 0.01), whereas clinicians reported significantly higher average working hours per week than panel physicians and private physicians (> 40 h vs. < 40 h, p = 0.00). A reported higher working load was significantly associated with lower job satisfaction (p = 0.00). Average job satisfaction was significantly lower among panel physicians (5.8 ± 0.3) and clinicians (5.6 ± 0.2) compared to private physicians (7.7 ± 0.3, p < 0.000).

New working models considering a decreased work load, particularly less nonmedical work and intensified collaboration between pediatric clinicians and practitioners are needed to allow more available time per patient, to increase job satisfaction and thus to raise attractivity for pediatric primary care.