[Working atmosphere in primary care: what needs improving?]

To evaluate the factors linked to the perception of professional quality of life (PQL) in a health area.

Analytical cross-sectional study.

Area 11, primary care, Madrid.

The professionals in the area (1436) were stratified into three groups: I) doctors, pharmacists and psychologists; II) nurses, midwives, physiotherapists and social workers, and III) administrative and nursing assistants and caretakers.

A satisfaction questionnaire (PQL-35) was sent out to 450 professionals selected at random. 282 replies were received (62.7%). All calculations used 95% confidence intervals.

The mean PQL score (scale from 1 to 10) was 5.14 (4.90-5.37); for intrinsic motivation (IM), 7.41 (7.26-7.53); for management support (MS), 4.80 (4.64-4.96); and for work-loads (WL), 6.06 (5.91-6.21). Perception of PQL was higher in women, group II and professionals with fewer work demands. Perception of best MS was in women, urban centres and people in charge of administrative areas. Women and temporary workers had higher IM. WL perception was higher in groups I and III. Age, marital status, work shift, length of employment, number of companions and belonging to management committees were not related to PQL. In the multi-variate analysis MS was found to be the factor most affecting PQL.

Perception of PQL is medium-low, with adequate intrinsic motivation but a certain discontent related to high work-loads and perception of scant management support.