Assessment of job satisfaction and quality of life among practicising pediatric intensivists of India

Abstract

Introduction: Pediatric intensive care specialty is a challenging field. This exposes the pediatric intensivist to various levels of stress at different stages of their career. The various precipitating factors for stress are prolonged working hours, decreased quality time with family, unsatisfactory remuneration, and increasing medicolegal litigations and physical, psychological stress, and property damage caused by unhappy families. Aim: The study was conducted to assess the quality of life, working patterns as well as socioeconomic wellbeing among pediatric intensivists working in Indian pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) in the private sector, public sector, and charitable institutions. Methods: A nationwide survey was performed in 2019 among the pediatric critical care fraternity across India to ascertain and enquire about several aspects of their work, careers, and personal lives with a Google form request with preformed questions and single answer options for this survey. Results: A total of 181 responses were received. About one-third (34%) chose this pediatric specialty for its challenging nature. Close to 40% of respondents were engaged in practice of other specialties of pediatrics apart from pediatric intensive care. Professionally, 86% of pediatric intensivists were satisfied with their work. More than half of the respondents (62%) felt that aggression against hospitals and health-care personnel was worrisome and these incidents affected their personal health with increased stress and subconscious fear. Conclusions: This survey revealed that most pediatric intensivists are satisfied with their chosen profession. Stress has been documented as a significant issue with violence in health-care settings being one of the most worrying aspects.