Work and training conditions of young German physicians in internal medicine. Results of a nationwide survey by young internists from the German Society of Internal Medicine and the German Professional Association of Internists

Abstract

Major transformations within the German healthcare system (e. g. implementation of the G-DRG system, growing focus on economic aspects, demographic changes) led to changes of work and training conditions of young internists and to criticism and dissatisfaction. So far, there is a lack of up-to-date and nationwide data analyzing these issues with focus on economic pressure and psychosocial strain. The young internists of the two professional bodies conducted an online-based survey addressing all their members in training. The questionnaire covers five central areas of conflict. Furthermore, the model of effort-reward-imbalance (ERI) was applied to measure psychosocial strain at work. 1696 internists in training participated in the survey. Workdays characterized by high pace and workload do not leave much room for professional training as well as for family and research friendly working conditions. A relevant part of the affected physicians draws or at least considers personal consequences. Economical pressure is clearly noticeable. Psychosocial strain among the questioned internists is very high and conveys a risk for physicians' health and patients' quality of care. Adjustments of working and training conditions in internal medicine are necessary to preserve physicians health, high-quality medical treatment and to ensure an attractive working environment.