Quality of Life and Working Conditions of Hand Surgeons—A National Survey

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Providing high-quality care for patients in hand surgery is an everyday endeavor. However, the quality of life (QoL) and working conditions of hand surgeons ensuring these high-quality services need to be investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the QoL and working conditions of Swiss hand surgeons. Materials and Methods: A national survey with Swiss hand surgeons was conducted. Standardized questionnaires were completed anonymously online. Core topics included working conditions, QoL, satisfaction with the profession, and aspects of private life. Results: A total of 250 hand surgeons were invited to participate, of which 110 (44.0%) completed the questionnaire. Among all participants, 43.6% stated that they are on call 4–7 days per month, versus 8.2% never being on call. Overall, 84.0% of the residents, 50.0% of the senior physicians, 27.6% of the physicians in leading positions, and 40.6% of the senior consultants/practice owners, as well as 55.1% of the female and 44.3% of the male respondents, felt stressed by their job, even during holidays and leisure time. Out of all participants, 85.4% felt that work affects private relationships negatively. Despite the reported stress, 89.1% would choose hand surgery as a profession again. Less on-call duty (29.1%) and better pay (26.4%) are the most prioritized factors for attractiveness of a position at a hospital. Conclusions: The QoL of Swiss hand surgeons is negatively affected by their workload and working hours. Residents, senior physicians and female surgeons suffer significantly more often from depression, burnout or chronic fatigue in comparison to leading positions, senior consultants/practice owners and male surgeons. Better pay or less on-call duty would make the work more attractive in acute care hospitals.