Assessment of job satisfaction and quality of life among practicing Indian anesthesiologists

Abstract

Introduction:Anesthesiologists are exposed to extreme level of stress from beginning of career. With evolution of super-specialty branches, level of stress faced has also raised. Prolonged working hours, poor hospital facilities and dependencies on surgeon are main contributing factors. Stress and unsatisfactory remuneration may lead to decrease in job satisfaction. One should have a good quality of life, but high level of stress may itself compromise quality of life. This study aims at assessment of stress, quality of life spent, job satisfaction, and health issues.Aim:The aim is to study stress level, job satisfaction, and quality of life of practicing Indian anesthesiologists.Setting and Design:This was an online survey, descriptive study.Subjects and Methods:An online survey consisting of 21 questions was sent to Indian anesthesiologists by E-mail using SurveyMonkey platform. The responses were collected and analyzed.Results:Out of 1219 anesthesiologists, 81% were satisfied being anesthesiologist, but 58% are unsatisfied with remuneration. More than one role was played by 47.7% of anesthesiologists. Nearly 83% of anesthesiologists agreed that the stress is highest among anesthesiologist compared to other medical professionals. Stress does reduce with the presence of another anesthesiologist while managing cases. Most anesthesiologists practiced various stress reduction methods of which spending time with the family was most popular method.Conclusion:This study divulges working pattern, job satisfaction, level of stress faced, methods to alleviate stress, and quality of life of anesthesiologists in India. A balanced family and professional life with proper utilization of leisure will reduce the stress.

Medicolegal aspects and anesthesiologists- aware and beware

“…One should not do over duty and get burn out syndrome where the quality will get compromised. 9 It is very important to convince the surgeon to have a proper anesthesia related gadgets to improve the patient safety. This will avoid unnecessary problems related to monitoring and delivering anesthesia.…”

Obstetric anaesthesia as a career

“…The financial remuneration is comparable to all other anaesthesiology subspecialties. [ 15 ] The job-challenge along with work commitment gives a good job satisfaction and a sense of empowerment.…”

Career as a general speciality anaesthesiologist

“…However, of late, the financial remuneration practices in private sectors have changed; nowadays many hospitals follow a 'pool system' wherein all the earnings of the department are pooled together and shared among consultants as per predetermined percentages. [ 14 ]…”