Work situation of rheumatologists and residents in times of COVID-19

Abstract

Background and objective The work situation is an important dimension of professional life and wellbeing, and a policy lever to strengthen recruitment and retention. This study aims to explore the work situation of physicians and residents in internal medical rheumatology, considering the impact of the coronavirus pandemic COVID-19. Methods A questionnaire-based online survey was conducted in early 2021 at the Hannover Medical School, supported by the German Society of Rheumatology. Target groups were all rheumatology physicians and residents in Germany. The main areas of investigation included work hours, task delegation, and collaboration; workload and mental health issues; discrimination and sexual harassment experiences; and the impact of COVID-19. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed for the standardized items and qualitative content analysis for the free-text information. Results The respondents (n = 101) expressed positive attitudes towards cooperation and task delegation to medical assistants, especially those specialized in rheumatology, while attitudes towards cooperation with GPs pointed to blockades. There was a strong mismatch between actual and desired work hours both in the group of women and in the group of men. 81% rated their workload as high or very high; every sixth rheumatologist has suffered from stress or burnout syndromes at least once in the past. Experiences of gender discrimination and sexual harassment/violence were frequently reported, mostly by women. COVID-19 was an amplifier of stress, with major stressors being digitalization and increased demand for communication and patient education. Conclusion There is an urgent need to improve the work situation of rheumatologists and reduce stress and mental health risks.

Gender equity in academic rheumatology, current status and potential for improvement: a cross-sectional study to inform an EULAR task force

“…A survey conducted in early 2021 with support from the German Society of Rheumatology reported similar findings among German rheumatology physicians and residents. 39 These findings are consistent with previous research from other fields of academic medicine demonstrating that women had more difficulties in being taken seriously than men, 40 women were more likely to be excluded from the dominant institutional culture, 41 and that sexism was one of the most common disadvantages to an academic career. 42 Previous research also demonstrated that gender equity interventions could cause resentment among men about perceived positive discrimination of women.…”

The Impact of COVID‐19 on Education and Training in Rheumatology: A Narrative Review

“…These results demonstrated the negative impact of COVID‐19 on rheumatology fellow health and well‐being, with 50% reporting high levels of burnout, 68% with increases in stress, and 25% reporting a negative impact on their physical health 3 . Similar results have been reported in studies from India and Germany as well 53,54 …”

“…3 Similar results have been reported in studies from India and Germany as well. 53,54 As we grapple with the process of emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic, it will be critical for training programs to maintain their focus on and prioritize fellow well-being, as the experiences and trauma of the past three years may have a lasting impact. Programs will need to continue to work with their local GME offices and other institutional leaders to ensure adequate support and resources for mental health.…”

Task shifting healthcare services in the post-COVID world: A scoping review

“…Interviews by Jacobi et al [66] illustrated how success in contraceptives and medicines dispensing by CHW increased access to family planning services across humanitarian–development nexus and led stakeholders view TS necessary during workforce crunch. Likewise, Kuhlmann et al [67] describe how rheumatologist shortage in Germany led care for rheumatoid arthritis and other musculoskeletal disorders shift onto GP and rheumatology specialist assistants. Interestingly, rheumatologists found TS onto rheumatology specialist assistant more useful, compared to delegating onto GP.…”