Mögliche Verbesserungen der psychosozialen Arbeitsbedingungen in Hausarztpraxen: Entwicklung eines Gesprächsleitfadens für Medizinische Fachangestellte zur Nutzung für Mitarbeitergespräche

Abstract

BackgroundStaff appraisals can provide employees and their supervisors with the opportunity to improve their communication and collaboration. However, one can assume that staff appraisals are not yet common instruments for human resources management in physician practices. The aim of this study was to develop a discussion guide for medical assistants (MAs) in general practices to support MAs in preparing, carrying out and documenting staff appraisals. MethodsMAs were recruited through their professional organization [Verband medizinischer Fachberufe e. V.] and social media (06/2020-10/2020). An early draft of the discussion guide was devised comprising an introduction, a checklist for logistic preparation, a documentation sheet and a section to prepare the content of the meeting. The discussion guide was revised based on interviews with MAs who also rated the instrument. Data collection, analyses and the revision of the guide were carried out in an iterative process to the point where no further significant suggestions for improvement were made. ResultsIn total, 20 interviews were conducted. Revisions were based on recommendations pertaining to a) how to interact with the supervisor (e. g., raising awareness of and responding to changes of the topic; anticipating counterarguments, scheduling of follow-up meetings), b) the choice of topics, c) additional measures to respond to MAs’ needs (e. g., rotation to distribute tasks), and d) the preparation of the staff appraisal (e. g., rehearsals with an experienced colleague). Both the likelihood to use the guide in the future and its usefulness for staff appraisals were considered to be high. Discussion and conclusionWe developed a discussion guide for and with MAs in general practices which can be helpful in preparing, conducting and documenting staff appraisals. This serves the purpose of bringing one’s psychosocial working conditions to the supervisor’s attention and to possibly improve them. To further improve the tool, future research should explore the experiences of MAs and physicians who actually use the discussion guide.