[Distress Among Surgeons - a Study in German Hospitals]

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Surgical Practice
• Psychological Stress

Background:

• High prevalence of work-related stress (distress) negatively impacting surgeon health.
• Surgeons' perception of working conditions is crucial for evaluating stress.
• Need to assess working conditions for surgeons in German hospitals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine and evaluate the working conditions of surgeons in German hospitals.
• To assess job satisfaction and distress prevalence among surgeons.
• To apply Siegrist's Effort-Reward Imbalance and Karasek's Job-Demand-Control models.

Main Methods:

• Web-based survey utilizing validated questionnaires.
• Application of the Effort-Reward Imbalance (ERI) and Job-Demand-Control (JDC) models.
• Analysis of distress prevalence and job satisfaction in relation to working conditions.

Main Results:

• 58.2% of surgeons reported unfavorable working conditions (ERI/JDC ratio > 1).
• Distress prevalence was higher in female surgeons (62.4%) compared to males.
• Fellows exhibited the highest distress prevalence (66.7%), while chief residents had the lowest (22.0%).

Conclusions:

• German hospital working conditions present a high stress potential for surgeons.
• Effort-Reward Imbalance and Job-Demand-Control models indicate a need for better balance.
• Addressing working conditions is essential for surgeon well-being and job satisfaction.