"Let's talk about ... us" The situation at German hospitals from the perspective of anaesthesiology and intensive medicine prior to the COV ID-19 pandemic BDA survey on psychosocial support in acute medicine in the autumn of 2019

Working conditions in medicine are increasingly being viewed from the perspective of psychological stress, which is often followed by questions about the employer's obligation to provide employee welfare. Since 2013, the risk assessment of mental stress at workplaces has been a legal requirement in Germany. This article provides a brief overview of (1) exposures of medical personnel. Subsequently, (2) the effects these burdens can also have on patients and on the health care system are described. Finally, (3) available support options are outlined and the data collected on the stress experience of anaesthesia and intensive care personnel and their psychosocial support needs described. An online questionnaire consisting of 40 items was used to collect data on "experienced stressful events" (e.g. failed attempt of resuscitation), "support services offered by the current employer", and to survey the "support requirements and preferences" of the sample. 76.5 % of the interviewed persons stated that they have experienced dramatic and emotionally very stressful events at work in the last two years. With regard to the overall professional experience, extreme situations experienced were reported with a frequency of M = 21.67 (SD = 80.89). Among the stressful events, events involving children seem to be particularly frequent. On average (across all levels of care) 95.1 % of the interviewed persons stated that the respective employer is not well prepared for possible extreme events or emotionally extraordinary events and resulting emotional states. The sample preferred offers with personal contact and a protected framework (like confidential peer-to-peer talks with a well-trained colleague). Offers of collegial support after stressful events achieved the highest values. The duty of care for employees, to the benefit of patient safety, is a task of the health care institutions and clinic management. So far, the available provisions in this area are insufficient. Accordingly, the employers or the federal states are obliged to maintain and strengthen the working capacity of nurses and doctors by implementing organisational and individual support systems. The health and resilience of medical personnel must be an issue of high priority in every country.     «

Working conditions in medicine are increasingly being viewed from the perspective of psychological stress, which is often followed by questions about the employer's obligation to provide employee welfare. Since 2013, the risk assessment of mental stress at workplaces has been a legal requirement in Germany. This article provides a brief overview of (1) exposures of medical personnel. Subsequently, (2) the effects these burdens can also have on patients and on the health care system are described...     »