High work ability and performance in psychiatric health care services: Associations with organizational, individual and contextual factors

Abstract

IntroductionContinuing development in the German healthcare system has a strong influence on the work situation of hospital clinicians working in Psychiatric Medicine. Since the job demands for psychiatrists are growing, there is a strong need to promote, preserve and restore doctors’ work ability. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of psychiatrists’ work ability and to examine relations between work ability, job performance and organizational as wells as individual resources (e.g. work engagement) of doctors working in psychiatric hospitals. Methods and materialsThe current survey investigation was conducted as a cross-sectional. The Utrecht Work Engagement Scale, the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire and the Work Ability Index were used to evaluate psychiatrists’ work engagement, working conditions and work ability. ResultsPsychiatrists reported high levels of work ability and work engagement. Significant associations have been found between doctors’ sources of work engagement, work ability and organizational factors (e.g. possibilities for development, income, etc.). Moreover, significant differences in gender, age and marital status have been analyzed with regard to perceived work ability scores. ConclusionThe study results reflect the positive effect of supportive working conditions and work engagement on the preservation of psychiatrists’ work ability. Our research suggests that strengthening psychiatrists’ work ability and work engagement will contribute to a more sustainable workplace, in terms of both individual and hospital performance. Innovative strategies for physicians’ personal development and improving capacity and performance of clinicians working in Psychiatric Medicine are strongly required.