A survey of professional satisfaction among Canadian anesthesiologists

To assess overall job satisfaction among Canadian anesthesiologists and examine contributing factors.

A confidential postal survey of all active members of the Canadian Anesthesiologists Society was conducted in 1998. Demographics, anesthesia practice, overall job satisfaction, anesthetic assistance, and perceived surgeons' and public attitudes towards anesthesiologists were collected.

Of 1659 surveys sent, 946 were returned (57% response rate). Seventy-five percent of the respondents were male and 25% female. Staff comprized 91%, residents 9%. The average working week was 59 +/- 11.9 hr. Seventy-five percent of respondents reported overall job satisfaction. Job satisfaction was associated with intellectual stimulation, good quality of care and interaction with patients. Dissatisfaction stemmed from treatment from the provincial government, hospital politics and long hours. Job satisfaction was associated with satisfaction with the level of operating room (OR) assistance, perceived high surgical regard and public image. Residents were more satisfied than staff anesthesiologists. Overall satisfaction was not affected by age, gender, region of practice, type of hospital or clinical work.

Job satisfaction among anesthesiologists is significantly associated with intellectual stimulation, quality of care, interaction with the patients, treatment from the provincial government, hospital politics, working hours, OR assistance and perceived attitude of surgeons. Improving these contributing factors may lead to higher job satisfaction.