[Generational shift in clinical urological care: status quo in German urology].

Abstract

Background/objectives: Urological care in Germany is facing challenges due to high workload, an increasing desire for more flexible working time models, and the need to secure the next generation of professionals. Against this backdrop, workload, working time models, and job satisfaction among urologists in Germany were examined.

Materials and methods: A nationwide online survey (mailing lists of Deutsche Gesellschaft für Urologie [DGU], Bundesverband der deutschen Urologie [BvDU], German Society of Residents in Urology [GeSRU]) conducted from October-December 2024 collected data on demographics, qualifications, work environment, workload, job satisfaction, and family situation among practicing urologists.

Results: Of the 999 participants (66% male, 34% female, 0.1% diverse), 61% held a doctoral degree, 8% were habilitated (4% with a professorship), and 19% were involved in research. Most (73%) were surgically active; 67% focused on general urology and 36% on conservative-oncological care. While 74% worked full-time (≥ 40 h/week), 54% reported ≥ 50 h/week including overtime and on-call duties. The majority worked in outpatient settings (53%), 43% in inpatient care, and 2% in research, industry, or public service. Half lived with at least one child under 18. Parental leave had been taken by 31%, with 56% of them for more than 6 months. Overall, 80% reported a high or very high workload, 54% wished to reduce working hours, yet 56% were satisfied or very satisfied with their current job situation.

Conclusion: The survey highlights a high workload combined with still considerable satisfaction with the profession among urologists in Germany. However, the majority desire a reduction in actual working hours, which indicates a need for structural adjustments to ensure the long-term attractiveness of the field of urology.