Fatigue Among Family Medicine Physicians in Slovenia.

Abstract

Background: Different authors define fatigue in different ways even though it is considered a very common symptom in the primary medical care.

Objective: To explore level of fatigue among Slovene family physicians and factors contributing to fatigue.

Methods: Modified Fatigue Impact Scale was used in our research. The link to the questionnaire website was sent through the mailing list of Medical Chamber of Slovenia, the Family Medicine Union - Praktik.um, the Family Medicine Association and the Young Physicians.

Results: 231 physicians answered the questionnaire in full. There were 180 (77.9%) females and 51 (22.1%) males. The average age was 45.3±10.4 years and their capitation amounted to averagely 2245.8±544.2. On average they had spent 13.1±11.3 years working as specialists. Women have significant higher levels of fatigue, 57.2% have scored above the threshold of 38 points. Working in the office after working hours at least three times in a week was significantly associated with total fatigue, adding 10.07 points to the score. The years working as a specialist is not an important statistical factor in differentiating fatigue among physicians, nor is the level of patient load. Working irregular hours is also not an important statistical factor.

Conclusion: Slovenian family physicians are tired, as they have exceeded the limit given in the literature. Women are more tired, the most characteristic factor that contributes to fatigue is the extension of work in the clinic at least three times a week.