The transition to hospital consultant and the influence of preparedness, social support, and perception: A structural equation modelling approach. (April 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Westerman, Michiel; Teunissen, Pim W.; Fokkema, Joanne P.I.; van der Vleuten, Cees P.M.; Scherpbier, Albert J.J.A.; Siegert, Carl E.H.; Scheele, Fedde
• Is Part Of: Medical teacher. Volume 35:Number 4(2013)
• Page Start: 320
• Page End: 327
• Publication Date: 2013-04
• Subjects: Medical education -- Periodicals; 610.711
• DOI: 10.3109/0142159X.2012.735381
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0142-159X

Abstract

<abstract> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p> <bold>Background</bold>: Insight into the transition from specialist registrar to hospital consultant is needed to better align specialty training with starting as a consultant and to facilitate this transition.</p> <p> <bold>Aims</bold>: This study investigates whether preparedness regarding medical and generic competencies, perceived intensity, and social support are associated with burnout among new consultants.</p> <p> <bold>Method</bold>: A population-based study among all 2643 new consultants in the Netherlands (all specialties) was conducted in June 2010. A questionnaire covering preparedness for practice, intensity of the transition, social support, and burnout was used. Structural equation modelling was used for statistical analysis.</p> <p> <bold>Results</bold>: Data from a third of the population were available (32% <italic>n</italic> = 840) (43% male/57% female). Preparation in generic competencies received lower ratings than in medical competencies. A total of 10% met the criteria for burnout and 18% scored high on the emotional exhaustion subscale. Perceived lack of preparation in generic competencies correlated with burnout (<italic>r</italic> = 0.15, <italic>p</italic> < 0.001). No such relation was found for medical competencies. Furthermore, social support protected against burnout.</p> <p> <bold>Conclusions</bold>: These findings illustrate the relevance of generic competencies for new hospital consultants. Furthermore, social support facilitates this intense and stressful stage within the medical career.</p> </abstract>