Journal of cardiovascular medicine
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J Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown) · Jul 2011
Cardiologists' workflow in small to medium-sized German hospitals: an observational work analysis.
Due to recent changes in national health policy and a subsequent increase in clinicians' workload, medical residents in Germany feel that the growing burden of documentation duties leaves too little time for direct patient care. Thus, to describe the daily workflow in cardiology wards with more accuracy, this real-time observational study detailed all tasks performed by resident cardiologists during daily shifts at German hospitals. ⋯ Ward rounds, meetings and administrative duties took up two-thirds of an average workday. Little time was spent on direct patient care relative to other clinical tasks such as paperwork and management. High rates of interruptions and multitasking were found. As the medical workforce is valuable, changes in the organization of workflow should be made in order to minimize residents' administrative duties and paperwork; thus, cardiologists' job satisfaction might increase.