[Young physicians' thoughts about leaving patient care--results of a survey in Saxony, Germany]

Abstract

Background: The fear of a shortage of physicians in some regions of Germany is growing. A drain of physicians into non-clinical activities is being discussed as a possible reason. To counteract this drain the extent of physicians' thinking about leaving patient care and the corresponding reasons need to be elucidated.

Methods: All physicians upto 40 years of age and registered with the State Chamber of Physicians of Saxony (n=5,956) received a paper-pencil questionnaire inquiring about socio-demographics, job satisfaction, thinking about leaving patient care, and corresponding reasons. Reponse rate was 40% (n=2 357).

Results: Nearly a quarter of the physicians working in patient care thought about leaving patient care. Practicing in a hospital and having children were significantly associated with think-ing about leaving patient care. The main reasons were poor compatibility of profession and family, high burden due to shifts, poor compatibility of profession and private interests, high work load, and frequent overtime hours.

Conclusions: Development and implementation of measures preventing especially long-term or permanent leave is crucial. Approaches enabling physicians to reconcile work and family play a special role.