In recent years, Norwegian physicians, particularly general practitioners (GPs), have experienced a significant rise in occupational stress, according to a comprehensive literature review. The study, which analysed long-term prospective studies conducted between 2007 and 2019, highlighted the mounting pressures faced by this group of medical professionals, with factors such as work-home conflict, workload, and lack of colleague support being identified as key contributors. The findings were published in the Scandinavian Journal of Public Health.
The review noted that while overall occupational stress among physicians tends to decrease with experience and years in practice, a worrying trend has emerged among GPs. Between 2010 and 2019, the prevalence of occupational stress among GPs increased fourfold, in stark contrast to other medical specialities where stress levels remained relatively stable. This surge in stress levels among GPs is primarily attributed to changes in Norway’s healthcare system, including the implementation of the Coordination Reform in 2012 and the Future Primary Care initiative in 2015. These reforms have led to an increased transfer of tasks from hospitals to primary care, placing additional burdens on GPs.
The literature review, conducted by researchers at the University of Oslo, aimed to assess whether occupational stress among Norwegian doctors has increased over time and to identify specific work-related factors associated with this rise. Nine studies met the inclusion criteria, with observation periods ranging from one to 20 years. The findings revealed that while overall job stress decreased from medical school to 20 years later, the effort-reward imbalance – a measure of occupational stress – rose significantly among GPs during the period studied.
One of the key findings of the review was the gender disparity in occupational stress levels. Female physicians reported higher levels of stress than their male counterparts across several studies. This was particularly evident during the early years of practice, when female doctors experienced more work-home conflict and emotional exhaustion. The study suggested that these differences might be due to the dual pressures of professional and domestic responsibilities, which are often more pronounced for women.
The review also highlighted the importance of colleague support in mitigating occupational stress. A lack of support from colleagues was found to be a significant predictor of work-home conflict and emotional exhaustion, particularly among male doctors. Conversely, strong colleague support was associated with lower levels of stress and better work-home balance. The researchers suggested that fostering a supportive work environment could be a crucial strategy in reducing occupational stress and preventing burnout among physicians.
Another critical factor contributing to occupational stress was the number of work hours. The review found that physicians who worked longer hours reported higher levels of stress, particularly when combined with low autonomy at work. This finding aligns with previous research, which has shown that long working hours and high job demands are significant risk factors for mental health issues among healthcare professionals.
The increase in occupational stress among GPs has also raised concerns about the potential impact on patient care. The review noted that high levels of stress and burnout among doctors are associated with lower quality of care and an increased risk of medical errors. This is particularly concerning in the context of primary care, where GPs are often the first point of contact for patients and play a crucial role in managing chronic conditions and coordinating care.
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