Happiness at the doctor's surgery

Are German GPs and their medical assistants happy? Where do they stand - what do they have or what would it take for their appointments to be happy? We investigated these questions in a three-year research project using qualitative and quantitative methods.

Although, according to life satisfaction research, working in a doctor's surgery has significant factors for happiness, many people working in primary care are dissatisfied with their day-to-day work. Stress, overwork and exhaustion are observed as impairments to well-being. Depersonalisation, depression, loss of performance and substance abuse can be the consequences. The aim of the study was to analyse stressors and resources as well as prevention potential and derive the need for intervention. We are working on identifying suitable intervention measures and analysing their feasibility and effectiveness in everyday practice.