Abstract
Introduction: As in other European countries, Belgian hospitals encounter difficulties in recruiting paediatricians. In order to better understand the underlying problems and the needs, it is mandatory to have an insight in the work profile of paediatricians.
Methods: In 2007, a questionnaire was sent to the head of the department of paediatrics in all Belgian hospitals. Their staff members were asked to fill in a detailed time sheet during one week in the period March 19-May 1st. Data were encoded by two separate persons and compared through a software program.
Results: The response rate was 66 %. The mean total professional time (weekdays 7-21 h) was 50 h 16 min (male 52 h 51 min and female 48 h 20 min). There is no difference according to the (non) university status. The mean total professional time on saturday is 6 hours. Paediatricians working in a regional hospital spent more time in clinical activities outside the hospital (11 h 24 min vs. 2 h 19 min) and less in management and research/teaching activities (6 h 12 min and 0 h 52 min vs 12 h 29 min and 5 h 10 min).
Conclusion: The mean total professional time during the weekdays is 50 h 16 min. The mean professional time on Saturday is 6 hours. Paediatricians working in a regional department spend more time in clinical activities outside the hospital and less in management and research/teaching activities. Female paediatricians are working half a day less than their male colleagues.
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Alliet, P., Verellen, G., Alexander, M. et al. 1129 Work Profile of Belgian Paediatricians in Regional and University Hospitals. Pediatr Res 68 (Suppl 1), 559 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-201011001-01129
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-201011001-01129