Perceived relevance of psychosocial work site interventions for improved quality of health care work environment

Changes due to reorganization of Swedish health care would have greater impact if the measures taken were strongly supported by the occupational groups involved. In a representative study of Swedish nurses, 90% considered psychosocial issues of great importance to their work environment. No differences were found between male and female nurses. 78% of the physicians in a large hospital study stated that their psychosocial work environment could be improved. Responses to an open-ended question to nurses and physicians showed differences in prioritized suggestions for an improved psychosocial work environment. Work climate, work load, competence development and organization appeared as the most important areas of changes to both nurses and physicians. Almost 40% of the total responses from the nurses compared to 20% from the physicians had to do with work climate interventions. Increased feedback and information, better means of communication and group relations were mentioned. Work load had higher priority according to the physicians. Other potential interventions were organizational issues like management, clarity of goals as well as competence development. In particular, there was a need for supervision and new competence in coping with critical incidents.