Radiografía de la formación médico interno residente (MIR): estudio descriptivo sobre las condiciones laborales y formativas en la provincia de Valencia

Abstract

Introduction

The working conditions of resident physicians have been shown to have a major impact on their health and training. The first studies analysing this reality have been published in recent years. However, there are no studies that analyse the situation longitudinally. The aim of this study is to reflect the reality of the working conditions of resident physicians in the province of Valencia in comparison with data obtained in a previous study in 2020.

Material and methods

A descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study was conducted by means of an anonymous online survey in 2023 in the province of Valencia, Spain. A total of 402 responses were obtained. Quantitative variables were analysed comparing hospitals, specialities and data obtained in a study carried out in 2020.

Results

62% of the labour rights of MIRs in the province of Valencia are not fulfilled on average. Findings from previous studies on non-compliance with maximum working hours and rest periods are confirmed, with a slight improvement of 20% in on-call leave with respect to the 2020 study. Non-compliance with other labour rights, such as unpaid overtime or the prohibition of training congress days, is exposed for the first time. Differences were observed between hospitals and specialties in the fulfilment of MIR rights.

Conclusion

There is evidence of systematic non-compliance with the regulations of the working and training conditions of resident physicians in Valencia. Despite evidence about the negative consequences of work overload, the situation has insufficiently improved in the last 3 years.