Burnout among Croatian physicians: a cross sectional national survey

AIM: To investigate the prevalence of burnout syndrome among physicians of all specialties, including residents and non-specialists, on a national level in Croatia. METHODS: This cross-sectional study, conducted in October 2017, used anonymous online survey based on the Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Services Survey. The Croatian version of the inventory was assessed for acceptability, factorial validity, and reliability. Key dimensions of burnout - emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and lack of personal accomplishment were assessed. Respondents scoring high for emotional exhaustion or depersonalization were defined as burned-out. RESULTS: The response rate was 18% (2557/14 427). Respondents' median age was 41 years (range 25-80), and 68% (1737/2557) were women. Good sampling adequacy and scale reliability were confirmed. Factorial validity suggested the presence of three overall factors, and no items were eliminated. Sixty-three percent of physicians were burned-out. High score on emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment were found in 58%, 29%, and 52% of respondents, respectively. As many as 16% of the respondents simultaneously experienced high levels of all three burnout dimensions. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that residents and physicians in tertiary or primary care were at an increased risk of burnout, while physicians working in institutes were at a decreased risk. CONCLUSION: Active national measures are needed to reduce the high prevalence of burnout among Croatian physicians.

The prevalence of muscular dystrophy and spinal muscular atrophy in Croatia: data from national and non-governmental organization registries.

AIM: To determine the prevalence of muscular dystrophy (MD) and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) in Croatia by use of multiple epidemiological tools. METHODS: This epidemiological study collected data from three national patient registries and one database of a non-governmental organization (NGO) of MD and SMA patients. The study involved all individuals who either had undergone hospital treatment for MD or SMA, had consulted their primary health care providers for MD- and SMA-related symptoms, were listed as disabled due to MD or SMA, or were members of the mentioned NGO in 2016. In order to prevent double entries, we created a new database of all living individuals, each with a unique identification number. The prevalence rates for 2016 were calculated by age and sex groups. RESULTS: There were 926 patients diagnosed with MD (544 men). Most men diagnosed with MD were in the age group 10-19, whereas most women were in the age group 50-59. MD prevalence in Croatia was 22.2 per 100000 population. There were 392 patients diagnosed with SMA (198 men). Most men with SMA were in the age group 50-59, whereas most women were in the age group 60-69. SMA prevalence in Croatia was 9.3 per 100000 population. CONCLUSION: SMA prevalence rate in Croatia is similar to SMA prevalence worldwide. However, MD prevalence rate is higher than worldwide estimates. This difference could be attributed to the fact that we could not confirm whether every patient registered in these databases actually met the diagnostic criteria for MD and SMA.

Prevalence of multiple sclerosis in Croatia: data from national and non-governmental organization registries.

AIM: To update the estimate of multiple sclerosis (MS) prevalence in Croatia using multiple epidemiological tools. METHODS: This level IV, epidemiological study gathered data from three national patient registries and one database of a non-governmental MS patients' organization. Data were extracted on all individuals who had undergone hospital MS treatment, consulted their primary health care providers about MS-related symptoms, been listed as having MS-related disability, or been members of the mentioned non-governmental organization in 2015. A new database was formed, in which all living individuals were identified using a common identification number to prevent double entries. The prevalence rates in 2015 were calculated by age and sex groups. RESULTS: In total, 6160 patients diagnosed with MS were identified (72% women). Most women with MS were 50-59 years old and most men were 40-49 years old. The overall MS prevalence rate was 143.8 per 100 000 population. CONCLUSION: The calculated MS prevalence rate in Croatia in 2015 was more than twice as high as the estimate from 2013. This difference warrants further research into MS epidemiology in Croatia and calls for a rational allocation of funds and human resources to provide adequate care and support to MS patients.

[SATISFACTION OF YOUNG DOCTORS IN CROATIA: ARE WE HEADING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION]? / ZADOVOLJSTVO MLADIH LIJECNIKA U REPUBLICI HRVATSKOJ: IDEMO LI U PRAVOM SMJERU?

Introduction: The satisfaction of junior medical doctors is primarily associated with the training they receive during the residency period and working conditions. Given a considerable brain-drain of medical doctors from the Republic of Croatia, the present research focused on the evaluation of the satisfaction of junior medical doctors. Methodology: The Junior Doctors Committee of the Croatian Medical Chamber prepared a questionnaire on the satisfaction of junior doctors. The relevant questionnaire was available for filling in online in the period from February 1 to March 20, 2016. Results: The questionnaire was completed by 1,531 persons aged between 29 and 35 (mean age 32) of which 67% were females. A 58% of respondents would leave the Republic of Croatia if offered an opportunity. The main reasons for leaving the country include better working conditions (74%), well-regulated healthcare system (64%) and higher wages (64%). In case of staying in the country, their future professional status and development would remain unaltered (44%). Conclusion: The questionnaire results show a high level of dissatisfaction with the healthcare system, some segments of the specialist training and the mentor role. The analysis of factors affecting the satisfaction of junior doctors will facilitate the preparation and adoption of measures aiming to mitigate the above-mentioned trend.