Work Style Reform for Pediatric Residents

TL;DR

This study examines how work style reforms at a Japanese children's hospital improved pediatric residents' work conditions and mental health.

Contribution

The study provides empirical evidence of work style reform's positive impact on pediatric trainees' wellness and work conditions in Japan.

Findings

Work hours and night/holiday shifts decreased significantly after reforms.

Daytime rest compliance after night work increased significantly.

Burnout and depression scores improved across all measured dimensions.

Abstract

Work style reform has affected pediatric residents’ balance between adequate training and wellness. This study aimed to investigate the impact of work style reform among pediatric trainees at the National Center for Child Health and Development (NCCHD), where several work style amendments were implemented from 2019 to 2024.

We conducted a questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey of pediatric trainees in 2024 and compared the data with a previous survey from 2019 to evaluate the impact of work style reform. The questionnaire included demographic and work condition data, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, and the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI).

Participants included 37 trainees (94.9%) in 2019 and 34 trainees (81.0%) in 2024. Median work hours per week (69.0-64.0, p = 0.04) and the frequency of night or holiday shift work (5-4 times/month, p = 0.002) decreased significantly in 2024. Compliance with daytime rest after night work also increased significantly (64.9%-91.2%, p = 0.01). All subscales of the MBI showed improvements, which remained significant after adjusting for demographics and work conditions (p < 0.001 for all).

Work style reform has improved work conditions and wellness in pediatric training at NCCHD. Further reports from other medical specialties are awaited to assess the broader impact of work style reform on physicians.

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