scholarly journals Hospital doctors and the struggle for work-life balance: the case of Ireland

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
N Humphries ◽  
J Creese ◽  
J-P Byrne
Keyword(s):  
Working Conditions ◽  
Hospital Medicine ◽  
Work Life ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Work Life Balance ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Medical Council ◽  
Work Intensity ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
Hospital Doctors

Abstract Background Ireland has a high rate of doctor emigration. Difficult working conditions, particularly in the hospital sector, are often cited as a driver of doctor emigration. In October 2019, a random sample of Ireland's hospital doctors were invited to participate in an anonymous online survey about their working conditions. Methods The survey was distributed via the national Medical Register (with the assistance of the Medical Council of Ireland). Invitations were sent to 5356 hospital doctors, stratified by registration status (including interns, trainees, those not in training and consultants). An overall response rate of 20% was achieved (N = 1070). This paper focusses on responses to two free-text survey questions: (1) Do you have any other comments about your work-life balance? (N = 314). (2) Do you have any other comments on your working conditions as a hospital doctor? (N = 469). Results Respondent hospital doctors, at all levels of seniority, were struggling to achieve a balance between work and life. Of the free-text responses received, 8/10 were negative, with work-life balance/imbalance and work-overload being the issues arising most frequently. Respondents discussed how long and unpredictable working hours, combined with a high level of work intensity, meant that they often spent their personal time recovering from work. Conclusions Poor work-life balance has become normalised within Irish hospital medicine. The findings call to action to critically reflect on the sustainability of this way of working for the individual doctors, the wider workforce and the Irish health system.

scholarly journals Hospital doctors in Ireland and the struggle for work–life balance

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. iv32-iv35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Niamh Humphries ◽  
Aoife M McDermott ◽  
Jennifer Creese ◽  
Anne Matthews ◽  
Edel Conway ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Working Conditions ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Hospital Medicine ◽  
Work Life ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Work Life Balance ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
Hospital Doctors ◽  
The Right

Abstract Ireland has a high rate of doctor emigration. Challenging working conditions and poor work–life balance, particularly in the hospital sector, are often cited as a driver. The aim of this study was to obtain insight into hospital doctors’ experiences of work and of work–life balance. In late 2019, a stratified random sample of hospital doctors participated in an anonymous online survey, distributed via the national Medical Register (overall response rate 20%; n = 1070). This article presents a qualitative analysis of free-text questions relating to working conditions (n = 469) and work–life balance (n = 314). Results show that respondent hospital doctors, at all levels of seniority, were struggling to achieve balance between work and life, with work–life imbalance and work overload being the key issues arising. Work–life imbalance has become normalized within Irish hospital medicine. Drawing on insights from respondent hospital doctors, this study reflects on the sustainability of this way of working for the individual doctors, the medical workforce and the Irish health system. If health workforce planning is about getting the right staff with the right skills in the right place at the right time to deliver care, work–life balance is about maintaining doctor wellbeing and encouraging their retention.

scholarly journals Work-life balance in medical students: self-care in a culture of self-sacrifice

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aled Picton
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Time Management ◽  
Study Skills ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Work Life Balance ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Significant Shift ◽  
Medical Council ◽  
Life Balance

Abstract Background Work-life balance is a key contributor to doctors’ wellbeing and consequently is a central factor in their career decisions. General Medical Council guidance outlines the importance of work-life balance as part of compassionate self-care. Learning self-care should begin as an undergraduate, when academic and clinical workload can contribute to stress, anxiety and burnout. Methods Sequential mixed methods study of medical students in Years 3–5 at the University of Birmingham, UK. Students (n = 145) defined work-life balance in free-text answers and self-assessed their current work-life balance via questionnaires. Following this, a sub-sample of students (n = 44) participated in exploratory individual mini-interviews. Results Work-life balance emerged as a broad and multifactorial concept. Questionnaire respondents most frequently referenced enjoyment, meeting work requirements and time management in their definitions. Interview participants highlighted additional influencing factors such as peer groups, study skills, family and professional culture. Students expect a significant shift towards work after graduating and expressed concerns about the stresses of delivering patient care. 42% (n = 60) of students felt they had received support with their work-life balance during their training, mostly from family and friends. Most students had not received support or advice on their work-life balance from University or hospital staff. Conclusion Self-care and work-life balance are essential for medical students and doctors to cope with lifelong learning and deliver effective care. Medical school staff should be pro-active in supporting students to develop these skills, particularly during critical transition periods. Early interventions targeting study skills and time management may be beneficial. Further research should include students in Years 1–2 and compare different institutions.

scholarly journals Surgical leadership within rapidly changing working conditions in Germany

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 51-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Schmitz-Rixen ◽  
Reinhart T. Grundmann
Keyword(s):  
Working Conditions ◽  
Corporate Culture ◽  
Employee Performance ◽  
Working Hours ◽  
Physician Assistants ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Work Life Balance ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
Surgical Department ◽  
Chief Physician

AbstractIntroductionAn overview of the requirements for the head of a surgical department in Germany should be given.Materials and methodsA retrospective literature research on surgical professional policy publications of the last 10 years in Germany was conducted.ResultsSurveys show that commercial influences on medical decisions in German hospitals have today become an everyday, predominantly negative, actuality. Nevertheless, in one survey, 82.9% of surgical chief physicians reported being very satisfied with their profession, compared with 61.5% of senior physicians and only 43.4% of hospital specialists. Here, the chief physician is challenged. Only 70% of those surveyed stated that they could rely on their direct superiors when difficulties arose at work, and only 34.1% regarded feedback on the quality of their work as sufficient. The high distress rate in surgery (58.2% for all respondents) has led to a lack in desirability and is reflected in a shortage of qualified applicants for resident positions. In various position papers, surgical residents (only 35% describe their working conditions as good) demand improved working conditions. Chief physicians are being asked to facilitate a suitable work-life balance with regular working hours and a corporate culture with participative management and collegial cooperation. Appreciation of employee performance must also be expressed. An essential factor contributing to dissatisfaction is that residents fill a large part of their daily working hours with non-physician tasks. In surveys, 70% of respondents stated that they spend up to ≥3 h a day on documentation and secretarial work.DiscussionThe chief physician is expected to relieve his medical staff by employing non-physician assistants to take care of non-physician tasks. Transparent and clearly structured training to achieve specialist status is essential. It has been shown that a balanced work-life balance can be achieved for surgeons. Family and career can be reconciled in appropriately organized departments by making use of part-time and shift models that exclude 24-h shifts and making working hours more flexible.

British doctors’ work–life balance and home-life satisfaction: a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
pp. postgradmedj-2021-141338
Author(s):  
Swati Parida ◽  
Abdullah Aamir ◽  
Jahangir Alom ◽  
Tania A Rufai ◽  
Sohaib R Rufai
Keyword(s):  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Work Life Balance ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
Home Life

PurposeTo assess British doctors’ work–life balance, home-life satisfaction and associated barriers.Study designWe designed an online survey using Google Forms and distributed this via a closed social media group with 7031 members, exclusively run for British doctors. No identifiable data were collected and all respondents provided consent for their responses to be used anonymously. The questions covered demographic data followed by exploration of work–life balance and home-life satisfaction across a broad range of domains, including barriers thereto. Thematic analysis was performed for free-text responses.Results417 doctors completed the survey (response rate: 6%, typical for online surveys). Only 26% reported a satisfactory work–life balance; 70% of all respondents reported their work negatively affected their relationships and 87% reported their work negatively affected their hobbies. A significant proportion of respondents reported delaying major life events due to their working patterns: 52% delaying buying a home, 40% delaying marriage and 64% delaying having children. Female doctors were most likely to enter less-than-full-time working or leave their specialty. Thematic analysis revealed seven key themes from free-text responses: unsocial working, rota issues, training issues, less-than-full-time working, location, leave and childcare.ConclusionsThis study highlights the barriers to work–life balance and home-life satisfaction among British doctors, including strains on relationships and hobbies, leading to many doctors delaying certain milestones or opting to leave their training position altogether. It is imperative to address these issues to improve the well-being of British doctors and improve retention of the current workforce.

scholarly journals CANADIAN EARLY CAREER PAEDIATRICIANS ON THEIR TRANSITION TO PRACTICE EXPERIENCE

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. e57-e58
Author(s):  
Anne Rowan-Legg
Keyword(s):  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Professional Education ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Early Career ◽  
Work Life Balance ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Transition To Practice ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
Urban Settings

Abstract BACKGROUND The Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS) is the national professional paediatric organization representing over 3000 child and youth health care providers. As future leaders, early career paediatricians (ECP, defined as those in their first 5 years of practice) are highly valued CPS members, and facilitating their active engagement is a key organizational priority. ECPs comprise 15% of the current CPS membership, and previous analysis has shown that this group’s membership rate drops by nearly one-third in the first 5 years of practice. This lack of engagement may be due in part to the intense amount of activity on multiple fronts during the transition to independent practice. We sought to better identify and understand these challenges, and determine how the CPS might better support this period of a paediatrician’s professional life. OBJECTIVES To better characterize the demographics of ECPs in Canada; to identify the challenges of transition to independent paediatric practice, and to inform future CPS initiatives to support them. DESIGN/METHODS Following iterative discussion, we created a 23-question survey with either closed-ended or free text responses. It was distributed, in English and French, via e-mail link to 481 Canadian ECPs across the country in September 2017. This group included both general and subspecialty paediatricians who had qualified for their Royal College certification in 2011 or later. Survey information was obtained by an online electronic tool (Survey Monkey). All responses remained confidential. Responses were collated, and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. RESULTS The survey response rate was 42% (200/481). 172/407 answered the English questionnaire, and 28/74 answered the French questionnaire. 68% self-identified as general paediatricians and 21% as subspecialists. Nearly three-quarters work in urban settings, with 35% at an academic/tertiary hospital. ECPs spend most of their working hours in a clinical setting (mean 80%), with less time in research and administration/leadership domains. Most (78%) were satisfied with their practice type and setting. Three-quarters reported good work-life balance. Identified challenges during the transition to practice included: financial and billing management; learning institutional processes and available resources; and achieving work-life balance. One third reported difficulty with continuing professional development. CONCLUSION These findings indicate that ECPs are more likely to be practising in urban settings and at academic centres. They describe some common challenges with transition to practice and would like the CPS to provide more practice management resources, mentorship, and career counseling. As a result, there is a clear opportunity for CPS to engage them in the organization, support their transition to practice, and offer accessible continuing professional education.

scholarly journals Conditions necessary to maintain work-life balance of employees - in the light of the research results

Management ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 326-340 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janina Stankiewicz ◽  
Hanna Bortnowska ◽  
Patrycja Łychmus
Keyword(s):  
Working Conditions ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Private Life ◽  
Work Life Balance ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
Research Results ◽  
Family Friendly ◽  
Remedial Actions

Summary The article presents the results of research concerning worklife balance of employees of enterprises located in lubuskie voivodeship. The working conditions provided by employers were analyzed. The authors of research checked whether they favor, according to the respondents, the homeostasis between work and private life. The results showed some deficits in this area. This led to reflection on the potential remedial actions which can be applied in the organization, such as a policy of „family friendly employment”.

scholarly journals WORK LIFE BALANCE AND EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE IN THE NIGERIAN OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY

2020 ◽  
pp. 484-497
Author(s):  
Bienwi-Patrick, Ledum ◽  
B. Chima Onuoha ◽  
Best C. Eke
Keyword(s):  
Service Delivery ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Employee Performance ◽  
Oil And Gas Industry ◽  
Work Life ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Work Life Balance ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
Leave Policy ◽  
Oil And Gas Firms

Based on the high rate of employee turnover, poor working organizational culture, and rising occupational imbalances in various workplace, the study examined work life balance and employee performance in selected oil and gas firms in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The study adopts a descriptive survey design, the population of the study is 759 and the sample size is 262 using Taro Yamane’s formula. 262 copies of structured questionnaire was distributed and completely filled and returned. Pearson product moment correlation and regression analysis was used to test the hypothesis. Cronbach alpha was used to test the reliability of the instrument. The study employed dimensions of worklife balance bordering around the leave policy of selected oil and gas firms and evaluated their influence on measures of employee performance such as; service delivery, efficiency and effectiveness. It was discovered that there is a significant positive relationship between leave policy and service delivery. The findings revealed that leave policy motivate employee ability to deliver services efficiently and effectively, in conclusion work life balance practice is an important factor in increasing employee performance. The researcher recommends that managers of these oil and gas firms should prioritize creating different work life balance incentives that will improve employee performance. KEYWORDS: Worklife Balance, Employee Performance, Service Delivery, Oil and Gas firms

scholarly journals Emotional Regulation as a Remedy for Teacher Burnout in Special Schools: Evaluating School Climate, Teacher’s Work-Life Balance and Children Behavior

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sri Mulyani ◽  
Anas A. Salameh ◽  
Aan Komariah ◽  
Anton Timoshin ◽  
Nik Alif Amri Nik Hashim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Working Conditions ◽  
Emotional Regulation ◽  
Classroom Behavior ◽  
Teacher Burnout ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Work Life Balance ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Special Schools ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
The Impact

This research aimed to identify whether improvement in working conditions, children’s classroom behavior and work-life balance can lower teacher burnout ratio in Pakistan’s special schools by using techniques such as emotions regulation. The researcher employed a quantitative research methodology to fulfill the research’s purpose. The data for this research was collected using a questionnaire-based instrument. The confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling techniques were used to test the construct validity and underlying structural relationships. The findings demonstrated that the impacts of all three variables are significant in reducing job burnout in teachers. Emotional regulation helps decrease the impact of working conditions and the children’s behavior. Nevertheless, it does not aid work-life balance as it requires other techniques of emotional regulation. The research is significant as it highlights the importance of overall working conditions’ improvement for teachers working with special needs children. The improvements are essential because the teachers must take extra effort and emotions into their job compared to a typical teacher. The researcher has highlighted the key finding, implications and limitations of this research besides suggesting directions for future research to facilitate peer researchers.

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