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Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics
Published in: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics 1/2017

01-01-2017 | General Gynecology

Being prepared to work in Gynecology Medicine: evaluation of an intervention to promote junior gynecologists professionalism, mental health and job satisfaction

Authors: Stefanie Mache, Lisa Baresi, Monika Bernburg, Karin Vitzthum, David Groneberg

Published in: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics | Issue 1/2017

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Abstract

Background

Dealing with work-related stress is highly prevalent for employees in Gynecology Medicine. Junior physicians, in particular, have to face high working demands and challenges while starting their medical career after graduation. Job resources (i.e., social support) and personal resources (coping skills) might reduce job strain. The evidence for supportive and effective mental health interventions for clinicians is limited. Offering psychosocial skill training for entrants in Gynecology Medicine is expected to be highly beneficial. Following this, the present pilot study focused on strengthening physicians’ psychosocial skills and analyzed the effects of innovative training for junior gynecologists working in German hospitals.

Methods

Coping skills training for junior gynecologists was offered as group training for 12 weekly sessions over a time period of 3 months. Physicians were randomized to either an intervention group (IG) receiving the training (n = 38) or a control group (CG; n = 40). Training content involved developing and learning coping skills as well as solution-focused and cognitive behavioral counselling for junior gynecologists. Study outcomes were (1) perceived occupational stress, (2) emotional exhaustion, (3) resilience coping behavior, (4) emotion regulation skills and (5) job satisfaction. Surveys were distributed at baseline (T0), after the training (T1), after 3 (T2) and 6 months (T3).

Results

Junior gynecologists (IG) reported a significant decrease in perceived job stress and emotional exhaustion from baseline to all follow-ups, whereas the control group did not show any comparable results. A clear positive value of the mental health promotion program was also noticeable with regard to job satisfaction and increased coping skills (i.e., emotion regulation). Overall satisfaction with the skill training was high: gynecologists reported high scores for training design, content, received outcome and overall satisfaction with the training.

Conclusions

In this pilot study, participating in a psychosocial skills training course adapted for gynecology clinicians was associated with reductions in perceived job stress, exhaustion and improvements in coping skills and satisfaction. Modified psychosocial skills training may be a time-efficient tool to support gynecologists in their performance and well-being, which may have positive implications for patient care.
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Metadata
Title
Being prepared to work in Gynecology Medicine: evaluation of an intervention to promote junior gynecologists professionalism, mental health and job satisfaction
Authors
Stefanie Mache
Lisa Baresi
Monika Bernburg
Karin Vitzthum
David Groneberg
Publication date
01-01-2017
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics / Issue 1/2017
Print ISSN: 0932-0067
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0711
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-016-4223-6

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