Health workforce needs of small medical specialties: findings from rheumatology in Germany: Ellen Kuhlmann. (25th October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kuhlmann, E; Hoeper, K; Witte, T; Ernst, D; Dopfer-Jablonka, A
• Is Part Of: European journal of public health. Volume 32(2022)Supplement 3
• Publication Date: 2022-10-25
• Subjects: Epidemiology -- Europe -- Periodicals; Public health -- Europe -- Periodicals; 362.109405
• DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckac129.323
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1101-1262

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Small medical specialties may be more vulnerable to workforce shortage and the COVID-19 pandemic and this may directly impact in the provision of care for chronically-ill patients. This study aims to explore health workforce development and new needs, using rheumatology in Germany as a case study. Methods: An explorative multi-methods approach was applied, combining health labour market assessment of rheumatology physicians (public statistics 2000-2019) and a questionnaire-based online survey conducted in early 2021 (n = 101 respondents; rheumatology physicians and residents). Main selected topics: work hours, workload, mental health issues, discrimination and sexual harassment experiences, impact of COVID-19. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed and qualitative content analysis for free-text information. Results: Health labour market analysis showed that the numbers of rheumatologists increased markedly between 2000 and 2019 in the groups aged +50 years, but only 9% in younger groups under 50 years; since 2010 the group 40-50 years showed decreases. In 2019, the absolute number of rheumatologists working in healthcare after retirement-age exceeded those aged 40 and under. Survey data revealed a strong mismatch between actual and desired work hours for women and 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 digitalisation and increased demand for communication and patient education. Conclusions: Decreasing health workforce capacities in German rheumatology combine with negative perceptions of work and workplace conditions, threatening both retention and service delivery. Key messages: Small medical specialties, like rheumatology, face severe shortage that threaten healthcare for chronically-ill patients and need greater attention. COVID-19 has reinforced rheumatologists' workload and stressors, thus worsing mental health and retention.