Swiss Doctors Still Face Burnout Concerns.
Doctors working in Swiss hospitals are experiencing a slight reduction in weekly working hours, according to a new survey. While this marks a positive development for the healthcare sector, concerns about exhaustion and patient safety remain widespread.
The survey, conducted among 2,400 doctors by the Demoscope research institute on behalf of the Association of Swiss Assistant and Senior Physicians (VSAO), found that the average weekly workload has fallen to 54.6 hours. In 2022, doctors reported working an average of 56.3 hours per week.
The findings also show an improvement in compliance with labour regulations. The percentage of doctors reporting violations of working time laws decreased from 68% to 58%, indicating gradual progress in hospital working conditions.
Despite these improvements, fatigue continues to affect a large portion of the medical workforce. More than half of the doctors surveyed said they regularly reach a point where they feel unable to continue due to physical or mental exhaustion. The level of stress remains almost unchanged compared with previous years.
Patient safety is another major concern highlighted in the report. Nearly 60% of respondents stated that they had witnessed situations in the past two years where patients were placed at risk because of fatigue caused by excessive workloads. Medical professionals warn that long working hours and ongoing pressure can affect concentration, decision-making, and overall quality of care.
Healthcare experts believe that further reforms are needed to improve staffing levels, reduce pressure on medical teams, and protect both doctors and patients. While the reduction in working hours is a positive sign, the latest findings suggest that burnout and workplace stress continue to be serious challenges within Switzerland’s healthcare system.
The survey serves as an important reminder that maintaining a healthy and sustainable workforce is essential for delivering safe and effective healthcare across Switzerland. As hospitals face increasing demand for services, ensuring the wellbeing of medical professionals will remain a key priority.