engleski

Scientific activity, clinical settings and work ability among Croatian physicians

Description of the problem: Healthcare workers’ work ability might be sustained by intellectual demands. In Croatia which is transitional country, scientific activity among health care workers is not encouraged, hence might have association with their work ability. Objectives: To determine the relationship between clinical settings, scientific activity and work ability among healthcare workers. Methodology: Data were gathered form 395 physicians registered at 4 Croatian university hospitals in a cross-sectional design. Work ability was assessed using Work Ability Index (WAI) Questionnaire. WAI score over 37 correlates with satisfactory work ability. Scientific activity was defined as holding academic degree (M.Sc, PhD, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor and Full Professor) and publishing scientific articles. Differences were analyzed by t-test, ANCOVA (age was used as covariate) and χ 2-test. Results: Clinical setting and scientific activity were analyzed for the possible association with work ability. In general, physicians in Croatia have excellent WAI score (39.6± 6.1). Significantly more males than females were dealing with science (45.2% vs. 29.8%, χ 2 – test ; p=0.002). Physicians who were not involved in science (250, 63.3%) had significantly greater WAI score than those who were (40.29± 5.92 vs. 39.39± 6.19 ; t-test ; p=0.003). Among those who were scientifically active, there was a gradual increase in WAI score with higher academic title. There were more scientifically active physicians at non- surgical departments than at surgical (43.6% vs. 32.2%, χ 2 – test ; p=0.02). Conclusion: Although the physicians’ work ability is excellent, scientifically inactive physicians have better work ability than their colleagues who are involved in science. Since science requires investing time and effort over regular working hours, especially in the beginning scientific career, it might hamper physicians’ work ability. Support for young scientists is needed.

physicians ; work ability ; transitional countries

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