J Schuld1, S Scheingraber, S Richter, P Jacob, M K Schilling. 1. Klinik für Allgemeine Chirurgie, Viszeral-, Gefäss- und Kinderchirurgie, Universitätsklinik des Saarlandes, 66421 Homburg/ Saar, Deutschland.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: In 2006 the longest strike so far in the German health service occurred. Contrary to most hospitals in public authorities, the medical doctors of the University Hospital of Homburg/Saar did not participate in the strike, leading to pronounced tensions between patients, strikers and medical staff. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The effect of the strike on operating room (OR) management, medical personnel resource planning, and surgical training were compared with the remaining period of the year 2006. RESULTS: Elective surgical procedures were accomplished significantly more frequently by more qualified surgeons, leading to shorter OR time; surgical training was performed significantly less. The rate of emergency operations and the care of tumor patients increased significantly during the strike. CONCLUSION: Surgical training was neglected during the strike. Transferring non-job-related tasks to medical doctors and expanding their working time allowed optimal utilization of the limited resources.
BACKGROUND: In 2006 the longest strike so far in the German health service occurred. Contrary to most hospitals in public authorities, the medical doctors of the University Hospital of Homburg/Saar did not participate in the strike, leading to pronounced tensions between patients, strikers and medical staff. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The effect of the strike on operating room (OR) management, medical personnel resource planning, and surgical training were compared with the remaining period of the year 2006. RESULTS: Elective surgical procedures were accomplished significantly more frequently by more qualified surgeons, leading to shorter OR time; surgical training was performed significantly less. The rate of emergency operations and the care of tumorpatients increased significantly during the strike. CONCLUSION: Surgical training was neglected during the strike. Transferring non-job-related tasks to medical doctors and expanding their working time allowed optimal utilization of the limited resources.
Authors: Katharina Janus; Volker Eric Amelung; Michael Gaitanides; Friedrich Wilhelm Schwartz Journal: Health Policy Date: 2006-11-29 Impact factor: 2.980