Consolidation of working hours and work-life balance in anaesthesiologists – A cross-sectional national survey

Currently, healthcare management fosters a maximization of performance despite a relative shortage of specialists. We evaluated anaesthesiologists’ workload, physical health, emotional well-being, job satisfaction and working conditions under increased pressure from consolidated working hours. A nationwide cross-sectional survey was performed in Austrian anaesthesiologists (overall response rate 41.0%). Three hundred and ninety four anaesthesiologists (280 specialists, 114 anaesthesiology trainees) participated. Anaesthesiologists reported frequently working under time pressure (95%CI: 65.6–74.6), at high working speed (95%CI: 57.6–67.1), with delayed or cancelled breaks (95%CI: 54.5–64.1), and with frequent overtime (95%CI: 42.6–52.4). Perceived work climate correlated with task conduct (manner of work accomplishment, the way in which tasks were completed), participation (decision-making power in joint consultation and teamwork), psychosocial resources, uncertainty, task variability and time tolerance (authority in time management and control over operating speed) (all P <0.001). Having not enough time for oneself (95%CI: 47.6–57.4), for sleep (95%CI: 45.6–55.4) or for one’s partner and children (95%CI: 21.8–30.4) was common. One-third of the participants reported frequent feelings of being unsettled (95%CI: 33.4–43.0) and difficulty talking about their emotions (95%CI: 27.3–36.5). Frequent dissatisfaction with life was reported by 11.4% (95%CI: 8.7–14.9) of the respondents. Strong time pressure and little decision-making authority during work along with long working hours and frequent work interruptions constitute the basis for occupational stress in anaesthesiologists. We conclude that increased pressure to perform during work hours contributes to emotional exhaustion and poor work-life balance. Changes in the work schedule of anaesthesiologists are required to avoid negative effects on health and emotional well-being.