Related Experiment Videos
Locum physicians' professional ethos: a qualitative interview study from Germany
Sabine Salloch1, Birgit Apitzsch2, Maximiliane Wilkesmann3
1Institute of Ethics and History of Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Ellernholzstr. 1-2, 17487, Greifswald, Germany. sabine.salloch@uni-greifswald.de.
BMC Health Services Research
|May 10, 2018
Summary
German locum physicians generally meet ethical duties, but challenges exist in maintaining close doctor-patient relationships and ensuring sustainable staffing solutions. Further research is recommended.
Area of Science:
- Medical Professionalism
- Healthcare Economics
- Physician Workforce Studies
Background:
- Locum physicians as independent contractors are a new phenomenon in Germany, driven by hospital staff shortages and economization.
- Their temporary engagement in hospitals raises questions about their professional practice and ethical duties.
- This study explores the unique position of locum physicians within the German healthcare system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the ethical perceptions and professional practices of locum physicians in Germany.
- To compare the perspectives of locum physicians with those of their permanently employed colleagues.
- To assess how locums fulfill their ethical obligations towards patients, colleagues, and society.
Main Methods:
- First qualitative study on German locum physicians, including 18 semi-structured interviews.
- Inclusion of perspectives from both locum and permanently employed physicians.
- Analysis using qualitative content analysis with deductive and inductive coding.
Main Results:
- Locum physicians broadly meet ethical requirements.
- Difficulties were identified concerning close doctor-patient contact.
- Challenges remain in the sustainability of using locums to address staff shortages.
Conclusions:
- While ethical standards are largely upheld, specific areas require attention.
- Further research, including patient and economic analyses, is necessary.
- Understanding the ethical impact of independent contractors in hospitals is crucial.