Abstract
Introduction: As in other European countries, Belgian hospitals encounter difficulties in recruiting paediatricians. In order to better understand the underlying problem and the needs, it is mandatory to have an insight in the current demography and clinical activity.
Methods: In 2007, a questionnaire was sent to the head of the department of paediatrics in all Belgian hospitals. Demographic characteristics and hospital activities were collected. Data were encoded by two separate persons and compared through a software program.
Results: 55 % of the hospital paediatricians are female (70-85 % in the cohort < 45 year of age). The mean number of paediatricians working in a regional department was 6 (29 in university department). 39/87 departments had at least one paediatric resident. In total, 277 residents were recorded, 76 of them working in a regional centre. The mean total clinical hospital workload per hospital, as assessed by a time weight indicator (based on the number of admissions in night and day hospitalizations, outpatient clinic, paediatric emergency and number of births), was significantly higher in an university vs a regional department (5.9 vs 2.1). If adapted according to the team size (in FTE, incl. residents), an inverse relationship was seen (1.2 vs. 3.8).
Conclusion: There is an ongoing feminization among hospital paediatricians. The mean clinical workload per hospital is higher in an university hospital compared to a regional one. If corrected however for the team size, an inverse relationship is seen. This index is not taking into account the impact of non-clinical activities.
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Alliet, P., Verellen, G., Alexander, M. et al. 1130 Demography and Clinical Activity of Belgian Paediatricians as Assessed by the Head of the Department of Paediatrics. Pediatr Res 68 (Suppl 1), 560 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-201011001-01130
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-201011001-01130