Workplace factors leading to planned reduction of clinical work among emergency physicians.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: There is anecdotal evidence that ACEM Fellows are reducing or planning to reduce their clinical workload. We investigated the extent of, and reasons for, these reductions. METHODS: An anonymous, cross-sectional postal survey utilizing a study-specific questionnaire. RESULTS: Three hundred and twenty-three Fellows (63.5%) responded. Most were recently graduated males. In the last 5 years, the mean number of clinical hours worked per week has reduced significantly (P < 0.001) for both junior (40.6-28.9 h) and senior Fellows (30.4-23.1 h). Further significant (P < 0.001) reductions are planned. The most frequently reported reasons for reducing clinical workload were excessive workloa..