Results of a National Survey Regarding the Motivation and Working Conditions of Physicians to Work on a Pediatric Cardiological Intensive Care Unit

Objectives: According to the guideline on quality assurance for pediatric cardiac surgery by the GBA (Gemeinsamer Bundesausschuss), the 24/7 presence of a specialist in pediatrics is mandatory in cardiac centers involved in pediatric cardiac surgery. Since a major proportion of medical staff in pediatric cardiology centers is required for the ICU, there is a permanent need of well-trained personnel which has to be acquired despite a lack of applicants in Germany. We conducted this national survey among physicians with intensive care experience >6 months to elucidate which key aspects are particularly important for colleagues in training working in a pediatric intensive care units (PICU).

Methods: From August 2018 to August 2019, a web-based questionnaire with 27 mainly matrix questions on workload and work motivation for further training in pediatric intensive care medicine was sent to cardiac centers with PICU throughout Germany. Participants were asked to identify important aspects for their choice of a training institution and to classify them into priority categories 1 to 3.

Result: A total of 165 physicians answered the survey. The average age of the respondents was 35.2 (SD ± 4.8) years. Overall, 138 respondents were under 40 years old and 24 respondents over 40 years old. About one-third of the respondents were in specialist training, two-thirds of the respondents were in subspecialist training. But 92% of all respondents enjoyed working on a PICU. The working atmosphere in the team was given first priority by 57% of the participants, followed by good guidance in the independent performance of procedures by 49%. Working conditions including requirement of shift work, were listed in the lower priority level 3 by 59% of participants. An increasing number of calls on weekends reduced the attractiveness of the institution, 61% of the respondents of <40 years of age stated that the attractiveness of the workplace decreases from 3 weekends/months, whereas 62% of respondents of >40 years of age stated that a loss of attractiveness occurs from 2 weekends/months.

Conclusion: Although the work in the PICU unit is very demanding, the majority of respondents enjoyed their task. While increasing weekend calls reduce the attractiveness of the institution, the decision on further training in pediatric intensive care medicine is influenced to a great extent by the general working atmosphere and mutual appreciation in the team. The information is valuable to optimize the continuing efforts in the human resources development of pediatric cardiology centers in Germany.

Publication History

Article published online:
21 February 2021