Screening for psychosocial risks among physicians in a pediatric hospital

Over the past decades, productivity practices at hospital resulted in staff overload and burnout. Prompted by physicians' complaints, this study assessed the level of psychosocial risk among senior pediatricians in a university hospital. The survey used the checklist of Quebec's National Institute of Public Health that comprises two six-indicator parts: "Context" and "Key Components" of the Organization. The psychosocial risk level was evaluated by a physician-psychologist duo during interviews of homogeneous groups of workers. The indicators were scored, tabulated, and discussed. The survey led to a substantial qualitative and quantitative clarification of physicians' working conditions, claims, and needs. Regarding Context, the staff reported mainly: (a) cumbersome organization and norms vs. limited human resources (lack of stability, incentives, and promotions); (b) absenteeism and presenteeism; (c) reluctance to seek care or advice for fear of discredit; (d) presence of verbal violence; (e) self-imposed harsh returns-to-work; (f) work-life conflicts and difficult mental disconnection from work. Regarding the Key Components, the staff reported mainly: (a) work overload (physical, mental, psychological, and relational/social), continuous stress, and perceived exhaustion; (b) low job satisfaction and insufficient recognition; (c) inconstant support by their superiors; (d) poor job relationships and colleagues' support; (e) occasional participation and lack of real autonomy and/or strategy sharing. The survey succeeded in underlining concerning issues that required the immediate attention of occupational physicians and managers. It proved the method feasible and valuable in the medical context despite a high diversity of staff functions and degrees.