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Most pediatricians satisfied with responsibilities, clinical duties
Recent research in Pediatrics found that most working pediatricians are content with their current workload of professional responsibilities and clinical duties, along with other findings important to understanding the current state of the pediatrician workforce.
“This study provides information on the largest sample of practicing pediatricians to date,” Gary L. Freed, MD, MPH, of the child health evaluation and research unit at the University of Michigan, and colleagues wrote. “Understanding the recent nature of the pediatric workforce is only the first step in providing data to help guide future workforce planning and the training experiences required to maintain and shape the workforce to meet the current and future needs of children.”
Gary L. Freed
The researchers distributed a self-administered electronic survey to more than 15,000 pediatricians. The survey was integrated into the American Board of Pediatrics’ maintenance of certification (MOC) program application process to target working pediatricians and subspecialists. Questions focused on career choice, career paths, time allotment, practice characteristics, involvement in quality improvement activities and retirement goals. The researchers included survey data from 2013 and 2014 MOC program applicants.
Study results showed there were 15,351 respondents; 9,253 identified as general pediatricians. Ninety-four percent of respondents said their current workload of clinical duties was about what they desired, while 89% responded that their allocation of professional time was what about they wanted.
The researchers also found that quality improvement activities were more likely among respondents who did not work in independent practices and those who worked full time.
Intent to retire before age 60 years was only reported by 12% of pediatricians, and plans to retire at age 65 years or older were reported in 56%. The researchers found that women pediatricians and pediatricians without academic appointments were more likely to retired before age 65 years.
Freed and colleagues found that 25% of respondents worked part time. There was an increased likelihood of working part time noted among women, those not working in independent practices and those not in academic positions.
“The nature of part-time practice and its growth within the field of pediatrics has implications both for patient care and for the available clinical workforce,” Freed and colleagues wrote. “Because the trend toward part-time practice is likely to grow (based on other findings in this report), studies assessing any potential differences in quality of care or continuity of care provided by part-time pediatricians should be considered.” – by David Costill
Disclosure: Freed reports no relevant financial disclosures. Please see the full study for a list of all other authors’ relevant financial disclosures.
