Time management of Internal Medicine medicalresidents, São Paulo, Brasil

Abstract

SUMMARY INTRODUCTION Medical Residency is a recognized form of professional qualification, but there are criticisms regarding the overload of work activities. Given the length of the daily and weekly workdays, residents develop practices that enable them to reconcile the Residency with their personal life. AIM To describe time management strategies in the daily routine of Internal Medicine Medical Residents of a university hospital in São Paulo, Brasil. METHODS Eight interviews were conducted with resident physicians of the second year, addressing aspects of personal and family life, theoretical study, practical activities, and work bonds. Content analysis was carried out using the MaxQDA software. RESULTS Six thematic categories emerged from the reports: work organization at the Medical Residency; learning and/or professional activities; housing, financial planning, and household activities; time for leisure and interpersonal relationship; family planning/children; rest/sleep. DISCUSSION Several strategies are adopted for time management: residing near the hospital, domestic activities helped by housekeepers, postponement of maternity leave, and social support centered on interacting with other residents. There are paid activities not associated with the Residency, which lead to reduced time for rest, study, and leisure, with a greater loss during work at night shifts. CONCLUSIONS Residents experience a period of intense learning, which requires a high workload and complex work. The evaluation of the work organization of medical residents should include not only time for rest but also time management strategies for daily activities, which can reduce the negative outcomes associated with long working hours.